The Real Story Behind Pelé's Dislike of His Own Name
The name "Pelé" is synonymous with soccer greatness. It's a household word, instantly recognizable to millions worldwide as the moniker of arguably the greatest player to ever grace the sport. But what's surprising to many is that the man himself, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, didn't always have a fond relationship with the name that would define his legend. So, why did Pelé not like his name? The reasons are rooted in childhood teasing and a misunderstanding that stuck with him for years.
The Origin of the Nickname
The story of the name "Pelé" isn't one of deliberate choice or family tradition. It was a childhood nickname, born out of a schoolyard mishap and a bit of good-natured bullying. Young Edson, growing up in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was a passionate football enthusiast even from a tender age. He idolized the legendary Brazilian goalkeeper, Bilé, who played for the Vasco da Gama club.
According to the legend, when Edson was asked what his favorite player was, he would often exclaim "Bilé!" However, due to his pronunciation, or perhaps the way his friends heard it, it came out sounding like "Pelé." His schoolmates, amused by this and the fact that he was a big fan of Bilé, started teasing him, chanting "Pelé! Pelé! Pelé!" at him on the playground.
Childhood Teasing and Embarrassment
For young Edson, this nickname was a source of significant embarrassment. He was a shy boy, and the constant taunts from his peers made him feel singled out and ridiculed. He would often get into fights to defend himself and express his displeasure with the nickname. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento, a former professional footballer himself, even tried to get the school to intervene and stop the teasing.
"They called me Pelé," Edson once recalled in an interview. "I didn't like it. I tried to change it, but it stuck. It was a stupid nickname." The constant barrage of "Pelé!" directed at him made him resent the sound of the word, associating it with humiliation and distress rather than anything positive.
The Unintentional Rise of "Pelé"
Ironically, the nickname that caused him so much grief eventually became the name the world would come to know and adore. As Edson's footballing talent began to blossom, his reputation grew. When he joined his first professional club, Santos FC, he was still known as Edson. However, the club's announcer, not fully aware of his preference, started calling him "Pelé" during matches.
The name, which he had tried so hard to shake off, was now being broadcast to thousands of fans. He continued to prefer being called Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but the public had already latched onto the catchy and unique moniker. It was an almost involuntary adoption, driven by the sheer force of his extraordinary performances on the field.
A Symbol of Greatness
As Pelé's career soared to unprecedented heights, winning three World Cups with Brazil and scoring over a thousand goals, the name "Pelé" transformed from a symbol of childhood torment into a global icon of sporting excellence. He became "The King of Football," and his name was chanted with reverence and admiration, not derision.
While he may have initially disliked it, Pelé eventually came to terms with the name that became his legacy. It was a testament to his incredible journey, a reminder of his humble beginnings, and a symbol of the unparalleled impact he had on the sport. He understood that "Pelé" was not just a nickname anymore; it was a brand, a legend, and a force for good that transcended the game itself.
Did Pelé Ever Fully Embrace the Name?
It's a nuanced question. While he never forgot the painful origins of the nickname, Pelé, throughout his later life, understood its immense power and global recognition. He adopted it as his public persona and used it to champion various causes and promote football worldwide. He might not have *loved* the name in the way one loves a given name, but he certainly embraced its significance and the platform it provided him.
He often spoke about the "Pelé" phenomenon with a mixture of amusement and pride, acknowledging that it was the name that brought him closer to millions of fans across the globe. The childhood taunt had, in a twist of fate, become the key to unlocking his global fame and influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Pelé called "Pelé"?
Pelé was called "Pelé" as a childhood nickname. It originated when he, as a young boy, was a fan of the famous goalkeeper Bilé. His friends misheard or playfully mispronounced his admiration for "Bilé" as "Pelé," and the nickname stuck despite his initial dislike.
Did Pelé fight because of his name?
Yes, according to accounts from his childhood, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé) would get into fights with his peers because he disliked being called "Pelé" and resented the teasing. He found the nickname embarrassing and humiliating.
How did the name "Pelé" become famous?
The name "Pelé" became famous because of Edson Arantes do Nascimento's extraordinary footballing talent. Despite his initial dislike for the nickname, his performances for Santos FC and the Brazilian national team were so exceptional that the name was adopted by the public and became synonymous with his legendary status.
When did Pelé start liking his name?
It's more accurate to say that Pelé came to understand and accept the significance of his name rather than actively "liking" it from the start. As he achieved global fame and recognition as a football icon, he realized the power and reach of the nickname and embraced it as his public identity, even if its origins were rooted in childhood teasing.
