Pele is a legendary figure in soccer and one of the most iconic athletes of all time. With his long list of accomplishments, it’s no surprise that many people are interested in how much wealth he has accumulated over his career. This article will overview Pele’s net worth, looking at how he earned his fortune and how it has grown over the years. We’ll also consider some philanthropic efforts he has supported with his money.
About The Football Legend Pele
Pelé is a former Brazilian professional footballer who played for the Brazilian national team and teams such as Santos and the New York Cosmos. The International Olympic Committee named Pelé the “Footballer of the Millennium” due to his ability to score goals with both feet and his playmaking abilities. Pelé surprised everyone with his ability to achieve goals with both feet and his playmaking abilities.
Pele made his debut in football at the young age of 15 for the Brazilian club Santos. The Brazil National team invited the 16-year-old Pele to represent his country after being impressed by his performances for Santos. The Brazilian established monumental achievements by being the all-time leading scorer for the Brazilian national team and Santos FC.
Pele is also the only football player to win three FIFA World Cups, which he accomplished with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. In 1977, the 1970 World Cup’s leading scorer chose to hang up his boots after 21 years of playing. His last game was an exhibition between Santos and Cosmos at New York’s MetLife Stadium.
In 1363 games, he scored 1281 goals thanks to his remarkable vision in front of the net and outstanding shooting ability. Pelé won the FIFA World Cup three times, including the ‘Golden Ball trophy in 1970. In addition, he helped Santos win the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963 and the Intercontinental Cup in 1962 and 1963.
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Pele Net Worth 2022
According to the Celebrity Networth, Pele’s estimated net worth in 2022 is approximately $100 million. Throughout his football career, he made a significant amount of money. Additionally, he earns wealth through numerous endorsements and advertising partnerships. Therefore, Pele is the world’s highest-paid and most successful athlete.
Even after more than four decades out of the game, Pele’s net worth is still significantly more significant than most modern footballers. This enormous net worth is attributable to the fact that the Brazilian is still regarded as a global football ambassador.
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Pelé’s Salary
During Pelé’s career, there was relatively little money involved with soccer.
The New York Times reported that Pelé signed a $7 million, three-year contract with the New York squad, making him the highest-paid team athlete in the world at the time.
Since his retirement in 1977, Pelé’s primary income has been from sponsorship deals. In 2015, he ranked thirteenth on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid retired athletes with $14 million in earnings.
Pelé’s Investment
Pele,’s footballing brilliance did not translate to his commercial pursuits, which flopped tragically due to poor decision-making.
His building enterprise failed due to a lack of success. Even though Café Pelé was recognized as one of the top coffee products in the world and achieved success, the “King of Football” could not generate a profit due to a poor business agreement. In 2018, the Brazilian sold his Hamptons mansion for $2.85 million, which he had acquired in 1979 for $156,000. During Pelé’s three-year tenure as Brazil’s Sports Minister from 1995 to 1998, numerous corruption claims surfaced.
Pelé’s Endorsements
Most of Pelé’s profits come from sponsorship arrangements with firms such as Puma, Hublot, Volkswagen, Subway, Emirates, Procter & Gamble, and Santander. Because the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in Brazil, numerous corporations have hired Pelé as a brand ambassador.
.@Subway and I teamed up with @LFC greats @Robbie9Fowler and Steve McManaman today in London pic.twitter.com/S67pe57sH4
— Pelé (@Pele) March 20, 2015
In April of 1994, Pelé was named the UNESCO Sports Champion for his work with disadvantaged children and promotion of sports. He visited numerous nations, including Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia, to advocate athletics as a tool for peace and integration.
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In November 1996, he assisted UNESCO and a German television channel in raising funds for “Children in Need.” Pele participated in the “Match of the Heart” in 2000, which raised funds and promoted peace for underprivileged children.
In addition to assisting organizations such as Harlem Street Soccer, Pelé helps the Great Ormond Street Hospital treat children with the most challenging and life-threatening disorders.
Pele Was The Highest-Paid Athlete.
During his three-season stay with the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, Pelé was paid $2.8 million per year, a pittance compared to today’s mega-contracts for footballers but the most significant wage obtained by an athlete in that era.
Although he retired from the sport 45 years ago, he remained in demand as an endorser. In 2015, Forbes estimated his annual salary to be $15 million, placing him tenth on their list of the highest-paid retired athletes. He had contracts with Puma, Procter & Gamble, Volkswagen, Subway, and Emirates Airlines.
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A Pension In Brazil
Pelé has been receiving a pension in his own country since 2014, as reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera some time ago. The former player received a monthly pension of approximately $567, or over 3,000 reais. In an old interview with the Brazilian magazine Veja, he stated that he would enjoy all of the pension benefits that were his by right.
“After the 2014 World Cup, I will be a pensioner,” declared the soccer legend, so he said he would pay only half price at the movies and would no longer have to pay for public transportation.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, Pele’s net worth of $100 million is a testament to his successful career as one of the greatest soccer players. His unique athleticism, skill, and leadership, both on and off the pitch, have earned him countless awards, honors, and accolades. Pele’s success has made him an international brand and a household name. He continues to inspire athletes worldwide, setting an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to great wealth.