Passion or Profession: Soccer Player

Period: 1940–

The man who would become the world’s most famous soccer player was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento but is known simply as Pelé. He began playing professionally at 15, made his international debut at 16, and scored two World Cup goals at 17. In all, he was on three World Cup–winning teams. After nearly 20 years on the Brazilian team, he moved to the United States to play for a New York team and promote soccer there. Since retiring in 1977, he has served as his country’s sports minister and has worked for the United Nations.