What was Pelé’s favorite football team as a child? This one might surprise you a tad on the Brazilian soccer icon and legend.
Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer and World Cup legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is simply one of the greatest ever to play soccer. But before he became a global icon, Pelé was a young boy with a dream of playing for his favorite football team.
Growing up in the impoverished neighborhood of Bauru, Brazil, Pelé developed a deep passion for football. As a kid he was known to spend his days on the streets perfecting his craft of soccer with his young friends growing up.
Pelé’s favorite football team as a child was Vasco da Gama. This Rio de Janeiro-based club was one of the most successful teams in Brazilian football during the early 20th century. Pelé was inspired by their history, their players, and their style of play.
Pelé often spoke about his admiration for Vasco da Gama. He would watch their matches on the radio, and he would dream of one day playing for the club. His passion for Vasco da Gama was so strong that he even named his son Edinho after the club’s legendary goalkeeper, Edílson.
Despite his love for Vasco da Gama, Pelé’s path to professional football took a different direction. He was discovered by the legendary Brazilian coach Waldemar de Brito, who recognized his exceptional talent. Brito convinced Pelé to join Santos, a club based in São Paulo.
Santos proved to be the perfect platform for Pelé’s development. The club provided him with the resources and opportunities he needed to reach his full potential. Under the guidance of coaches like Zizinho and Lulinha, Pelé quickly became one of the best young players in Brazil.
While Pelé never played for Vasco da Gama, his admiration for the club remained strong throughout his career. He often spoke fondly of his childhood dreams and expressed his gratitude for the inspiration they had provided him.
Pelé’s favorite football team as a child is a reminder of his humble beginnings and his unwavering passion for the sport. It is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of never giving up on your aspirations.
