Edson Nascimento
~Pele
Oct 23' 1940
Brazil
The Exhilarating Story...
When people talk about the greatest football players of all time, one name that inevitably stands out is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé. Born on October 23, 1940, in the small town of Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé’s journey to greatness was anything but easy. From humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, Pelé’s life story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of dreams. Pelé was born to João Ramos do Nascimento, a struggling footballer, and Celeste Arantes, a homemaker who kept the family grounded and supportive through difficult times. Financial challenges were a constant reality for the family, and Pelé had to start contributing to their income from a young age. Despite these hardships, his parents remained his strongest supporters. His father, also known as Dondinho, became one of Pelé’s first coaches and mentors, teaching him the basics of football and encouraging him to pursue the sport with passion. Growing up in poverty, Pelé often couldn’t afford a real football. Instead, he made do with what he could find, sometimes creating a makeshift ball out of socks stuffed with newspaper. This simple yet resourceful practice honed his footwork and ball control, setting him apart from other players his age. His early years were marked by hard work, with Pelé taking odd jobs to help his family make ends meet. At the age of 15, Pelé joined Santos FC after being scouted by Brazilian football coach Waldemar de Brito, who saw his potential and believed he could be “the greatest football player in the world.” De Brito’s faith and encouragement gave Pelé a newfound motivation, and he soon began training with Santos, where he made an immediate impact. Yet, Pelé’s journey was still fraught with challenges. Battling against skeptics who thought he was too young and facing racial discrimination, he remained focused on his goal and let his skills speak on the field. Pelé’s defining moment came during the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, where, at just 17 years old, he took the world by storm. Despite a knee injury that almost kept him from playing, Pelé went on to score six goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-finals and two goals in the final, leading Brazil to its first-ever World Cup victory. His performance didn’t just win Brazil the trophy; it earned him a place in the hearts of millions worldwide. However, success brought its own set of challenges. Throughout his career, Pelé was often targeted by opponents on the field, leading to numerous injuries. He also bore the heavy weight of being Brazil’s “national treasure,” a title that prevented him from playing for international clubs. Despite this, Pelé maintained his dedication, always coming back stronger from his setbacks and striving to improve his game. Pelé’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people who stood by him through thick and thin. His father, Dondinho, instilled in him the values of resilience and discipline. His coach, Waldemar de Brito, recognized his talent early on and made sure he got the right opportunities to showcase his skills. Pelé’s teammates at Santos FC and the Brazilian national team also played crucial roles, providing him with the camaraderie and support needed to thrive. Off the field, Pelé had his share of struggles in dealing with fame, but he found comfort in his family and close friends who helped him stay grounded. His humble nature and loyalty to his roots endeared him not only to his fellow Brazilians but also to people worldwide. Even after retiring, Pelé’s legacy continues to inspire new generations. He remains actively involved in philanthropic efforts, focusing on youth development and social causes in Brazil. Recently, he has also advocated for better healthcare access, especially after his own battles with health issues. Despite facing challenges with his health, Pelé’s indomitable spirit remains intact, and he continues to be a symbol of hope and resilience for millions. Pelé’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is not just about skill but also about determination, humility, and the will to overcome obstacles. From his early days of playing football with a sock-stuffed ball to becoming an international legend, Pelé’s journey teaches us that with passion, perseverance, and a strong support system, anyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness. Pelé’s life is not just the story of a footballer but the journey of a boy who dared to dream big despite the odds stacked against him. His struggles and his resilience have inspired generations of athletes worldwide, and his legacy continues to shape the world of football. Through his story, Pelé shows us that even in the face of adversity, greatness is within reach if we dare to pursue it relentlessly.
“
The more you have to do , the more you can do.
Career
Last updated: Oct 28' 2024
Santos FC
- Career: 1956-1974
- Total Appearances: 583
- Total Goals: 569
New York Cosmos
- Career: 1975-1977
- Total Appearances: 64
- Total Goals: 37
Brazil Football
- Career: 1957-1971
- Total Appearances: 92
- Total Goals: 77
Achievements
Santos
- 6x Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
- 2x Copa Libertadores
- 2x Intercontinental Cup
- 1x Intercontinental Supercup
- 10x Campeonato Paulista
- 4x Torneio Rio-São Paulo
New York Cosmos
- 1x North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl
- 1x North American Soccer League, Atlantic Conference Championship
Brazil
- 3x FIFA World Cup
- 1x Taça do Atlântico
- 2x Roca Cup
- 3x Taça Oswaldo Cruz
- 1x Copa Bernardo O'Higgins
Individual
- 11x Campeonato Paulista Top Scorer
- 1x FIFA World Cup Best Young Player
- 1x FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
- 7x France Football's Ballon d'Or
- 1x South American Championship Best Player
- 1x South American Championship Top Scorer
- 1x Copa Bernardo O'Higgins Top Scorer
- 1x Gol de Placa
- 3x Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Top Scorer
- 2x Intercontinental Cup Top Scorer
- 1x Torneio Rio-São Paulo Top Scorer
- 1x Copa Libertadores Top Scorer
- 1x BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year
- 1x Bola de Prata
- 1x FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
- 1x South American Footballer of the Year
- 3x North American Soccer League (NASL) All-Star team
- 1x NASL Top Assist Provider
- 1x NASL Most Valuable Player
- 1x Number 10 retired by New York Cosmos
- 1x Citizen of the World (UN)
- 1x International Peace Award
- 1x Sports Champion of the Century (L'Équipe)
- 1x FIFA Order of Merit
- 1x American National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction
- 1x UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
- 1x France Football's World Cup Top-100
- 1x Marca Leyenda
- 1x World Team of the 20th Century
- 1x Football Player of the Century (France Football)
- 1x TIME 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century
- 1x Greatest Player of the 20th Century (World Soccer)
- 1x Athlete of the Century (Reuters)
- 1x Athlete of the Century (IOC)
- 1x World Player of the Century (IFFHS)
- 1x South American player of the century (IFFHS)
- 1x FIFA Player of the Century
- 1x Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award
- 1x FIFA Centennial Award
- 1x FIFA 100 Greatest Living Footballers
- 1x BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award
- 1x Best Brazilian player of the century (IFFHS)
- 1x FIFA Presidential Award
- 1x Greatest football player ever (Golden Foot)
- 1x FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur
- 1x World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time
- 1x Legends of Football Award
- 1x South America's Best Player in History (L'Équipe)
- 1x Inspiration Award (GQ)
- 1x Global Citizen Award (World Economic Forum)
- 1x FWA Tribute Award
- 1x Ballon d'Or Dream Team
- 1x IFFHS All-time Men's Dream Team
- 1x IFFHS South America Men's Team of All Time
- 1x Player of History Award
- 1x FIFA Best Special Award
Orders and Honors
- 1x Knight of the Order of Rio Branco
- 1x Commander of the Order of Rio Branco
- 1x Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite
- 1x Order of Champions
- 1x FIFA Order
- 1x Order of Merit of South America
- 1x National Order of Merit (Brazil)
- 1x Cross of the Order of the Republic of Hungary
- 1x Order of Military Merit
- 1x Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- 1x Order of Cultural Merit (Brazil)
- 1x Olympic Order
Celebrating
Raum
Football
Nov 05' 2025
Celebrating Grit & Perseverance David Raum.
Born on 22 April 1998 in Nürnberg, Germany, David Raum grew up with a dream that began in a local neighbourhood and would one day carry him to the highest levels of German football. From the moment he first kicked a ball as a child, the spark was lit. While we don’t have widely published details of his parents’ full names or life story, it is clear that David’s upbringing in a sporting and disciplined environment laid a foundation for his future success. At the age of eight, David was scouted and joined the youth academy of SpVgg Greuther Fürth after beginning his football with the local club Tuspo Nürnberg. That step was neither automatic nor easy: promising young athletes often face intense competition, high expectations from coaches and family, and the need to balance school and sport. This is the moment many dreams are challenged. David’s path was not a straight line to stardom. He had to work his way up through the youth divisions and make appearances in the senior sides of Greuther Fürth’s second team before earning his place in the first team. At times he was a substitute, at times he sought minutes on the pitch. Emotionally managing that uncertainty, keeping belief in himself, and surviving the pressure of performing each training session and match became part of his learning. For any young player, these are the defining hours of growth. With promotion to the Bundesliga and then a move to RB Leipzig on 31 July 2022 under a five-year deal, Raum stepped into a wider spotlight. At this stage he had built the physical attributes (1.81 m in height) and technical consistency required at elite level. But just as important was his mindset: he kept practicing free-kicks, improving his left-back role, and staying after training to refine what most skip. No athlete succeeds alone. David’s journey underlines the value of coaches who believed in him, teammates who pushed him, and the support system behind the scenes fitness staff, family, school mentors. While specific names of all these helpers aren’t always public, his own comments after scoring his first senior international goal reflect gratitude for those who stayed behind the scenes and emphasised hard work. For young players reading this: identify your team of helpers, stay loyal to them and allow them to challenge you, not just comfort you. On 10 October 2025, Raum scored his first goal for the German national team in a 4-0 win against Luxembourg coming from a direct free-kick. It was reward for years of persistence and training. He said he stayed after training to practise free-kicks. That goal marked a milestone not just statistically but emotionally: a young boy from Nürnberg, years of growth later, standing on the international stage. David’s story teaches a handful of key lessons: - Start early and stay consistent. He moved into structured youth football at eight and kept going. - Embrace the grind. The hours after everyone leaves the pitch, the extra practice, the mindset of continuous improvement. - Allow for setbacks. Being a substitute, having limited minutes, managing slow growth these are not failures, they are growth opportunities. - Surround yourself with a growth team. Coaches, family, teammates, support staff all part of your ecosystem. - Think big but act step by step. His move to the Bundesliga and then national team didn’t happen overnight but built on each stage before. Here is where the mission of 8lete becomes clear. For young athletes and clubs alike, 8lete offers a platform and ecosystem that mirror the support systems David benefited from. Whether it is coaching tools, club-player connectivity, career guidance, or performance analytics - 8lete aims to replicate the kind of structure that allowed Raum to succeed. If you are a young player, 8lete can help you set milestones, track progress, get feedback from mentors, and build your personal network of helpers just like David did. To every young player reading this: imagine your version of David’s journey. Your birthday deserves mention in your own narrative. Your hometown, your first club, your first big triumph. And then ask: who are my coaches, my mentors, my support system? Where do I sharpen my skills? Where do I get extra hours? Where do I handle setbacks? Use David’s path as inspiration: born in Nürnberg in 1998, rising to captain a top Bundesliga club and score for the national team. Your path might differ but the principles hold. David Raum’s life shows that talent matters, yes but talent without work and structure may not get far. The combination of early foundation, perseverance, supportive helpers, mindset and smart career moves creates momentum. 8lete is built for that journey: to offer young players the tools, community and structure to turn ambition into achievement. So whatever position you play, whatever club you represent take one more extra practice, believe in your growth, honour your support team and remember: your breakthrough may be around the corner. Use David’s story as fuel, and use 8lete as your platform.
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Celebrating
Alex
Football
Oct 29' 2025
Celebrating Talent & Perseverance Alejandro Grimaldo García.
When we look at the career of Alejandro Grimaldo García (born 20 September 1995) we see much more than a professional footballer. We see a story of resilience, ambition, support and strategic progression - a story that holds powerful lessons for any young athlete who dreams of making it. Born in Valencia, Spain, Grimaldo’s journey is marked by early promise, sudden setbacks, unwavering support, and eventual triumphs on big stages. From a young age, Alejandro showed a hunger for football. Growing up in Valencia, he developed his skills at local academies before moving to one of the most prestigious youth systems in world football. His family, though not always headline-making, provided the roots and environment that allowed his talent to emerge. While specific details of his parents are not widely documented, the underlying truth is that many young players depend on stable support at home to navigate early football challenges. Grimaldo’s early move from his hometown to academies shows a family willing to invest in his dream. At the age of 13, Grimaldo joined the youth set-up of FC Barcelona (La Masia) in 2008. This was a major step: moving away from home, adapting to higher standards, competing amongst gifted peers. He debuted for Barcelona B at just 15 years and 349 days old, becoming the youngest player in the Segunda Division at that time. That kind of early exposure can be both blessing and burden: immense opportunity, but also intense pressure. The turning point in his youth came in the form of a serious knee injury: Grimaldo suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in February 2013. For a teenager whose trajectory seemed assured, this represented a critical test. Managing physical recovery, mental resilience, and maintaining belief are key in such moments. Here, the role of coaches, medical staff, family and mentors become indispensable. Grimaldo’s ability to come back demonstrated character. After his recovery, he played for Barcelona B, later moving to Portuguese club S.L. Benfica in January 2016 on a 1.5 million € transfer. This move required adapting to a new country, culture and league. For a young player that is demanding: new language, new expectations, fresh competition. Yet, Grimaldo turned this challenge into an opportunity, working hard, integrating, and gradually becoming a mainstay. At Benfica, Grimaldo evolved into one of the leading left-backs/wing-backs in Europe. He developed a reputation for attacking impetus, set-piece threat and defensive reliability. His journey underscores that talent alone isn’t sufficient - refining one’s style, specialising (free-kicks, wing-backs who attack) and building a unique value are essential. In November 2023, Grimaldo received his first call-up to the senior Spain national team and made his debut shortly thereafter. In May 2023 he signed for German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen on a free transfer. His first season at Leverkusen culminated in a Bundesliga title (2023-24) and major contributions in assists and goals. This journey from local club in Valencia to winning major trophies highlights what consistent work and strategic moves can yield. No athlete succeeds in isolation. In Grimaldo’s story we find coaches at Barcelona’s youth academy, physiotherapists during injury rehab, teammates who pushed standards, and club platforms that trusted him (Benfica, Leverkusen). For young players the lesson is clear: your support network, choice of club/environment and ability to latch on to mentors matter as much as raw talent. Lessons for Young Players – and How 8lete Connects to the Journey Here is where our ecosystem, 8lete, comes into play. Grimaldo’s journey offers these actionable lessons: - Start young but stay grounded. Like Grimaldo moved to Barcelona’s youth set-up, early access matters. Through 8lete we empower young players with educational modules, mindset coaching and skill-development frameworks. - Build resilience through setbacks. Injury or failure are part of the path. Grimaldo’s rehab phase was critical. 8lete integrates mental-fitness training, recovery planning and peer communities. - Choose environments that elevate you. His shift to Benfica was strategic. For a young player in India or elsewhere, 8lete’s network helps identify academies, pathways and mentors aligned with ambition. - Cultivate a unique value-add. Grimaldo’s set-piece skill, attacking from left-back differentiated him. 8lete helps players define their “edge” – whether it’s technical, tactical or physical. - Leverage team culture and mentoring. Grimaldo had both. 8lete fosters peer networks, coach-connect programs, and community events so players never feel isolated. - Aim for progression not just immediate results. The move to Leverkusen came when the timing was right. 8lete’s career-mapping tools help young players and coaches plan milestones, not just wins. In a world where young athletes face early burnout, overselling, lack of guidance, Grimaldo’s story is a beacon. It’s real. It’s demanding. It’s achievable. And it connects to our mission at 8lete: giving young players the tools, the mindset, the network to move from promise to performance to legacy. For every young footballer who dreams of Europe or national caps, Grimaldo’s path is proof: if you combine talent, vulnerability, strategic support and persistence, you can make your mark. As you read this, imagine yourself as that young athlete. Imagine the early days of kicking a ball in your neighbourhood, the trials you face, the coaches you may have, the injuries or dips in form you will encounter. Then think: what would my “Grimaldo moment” look like? What would define the next step? At 8lete we believe: You don’t wait for opportunity - you build it. You don’t hope for talent - you refine it. You don’t simply play - you plan, reflect, adapt, grow. And just as Alejandro Grimaldo went from Valencia youth to Bundesliga champion and Spain international, you too have the blueprint. Let’s make your next chapter legendary.
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Celebrating
Don Fábio
Football
Oct 23' 2025
Celebrating Support & Resilience Fábio Coentrão.
Fábio Alexandre da Silva Coentrão was born on 11 March 1988 in Vila do Conde, Portugal. He grew up in the fishing‐neighbourhood of Caxinas and from an early age was part of a community defined by hard work and the sea. His father, Bernardino Coentrão, worked as a fisherman. His mother is Josefina Serrão. The environment he grew up in instilled values of humility, discipline and persistence - qualities every young athlete needs. Growing up in a working‐class neighbourhood, Coentrão did not have the luxuries many young talents elsewhere might expect. He started his youth career with his hometown club Rio Ave F.C. and made his first senior appearances while the club struggled with relegation and promotion battles. At 16 he was already playing for the senior side. He endured loan spells and had to adapt, proving that the path to the top is not always straight. In July 2007 Coentrão moved to S.L. Benfica at the age of 19, one of Portugal’s top clubs. While at Benfica he worked hard, endured loans to build experience, and eventually became a key left‐back. His breakout season came in 2009-10 when he earned major recognition. On the international front he debuted for the senior Portuguese national team in November 2009. The turn came in July 2011 when Coentrão signed with Real Madrid C.F. for around €30 million. While this was a dream move, it also brought intense competition, injuries and periods when playtime was limited. He had to adapt to a global club, major expectations, and the mental stress that comes with it. His story demonstrates that even after reaching the top, staying there requires resilience. Throughout his career Coentrão faced injuries and challenges: being loaned out, adapting to different positions, and handling the pressure of big transfers. He remained rooted in his early experience: the sea, his father’s fishing boat, the hometown of Caxinas. After retirement he chose to return to his fishing roots and acknowledged how important that background was. For young athletes, the lesson is clear: no matter your level of success, your identity and your discipline matter. Behind Coentrão’s journey were the people who believed in him: his parents, especially his father who introduced him to the sea and taught him hard work; coaches who gave him chances and pushed him; teammates who challenged him. Having meaningful support structures is vital. For young players today, programmes like 8lete can replicate that support: mentorship, structured training, mental resilience coaching and networking. When Coentrão eventually stepped away from professional football, he embraced a second chapter: returning to the sea as a fisherman and even investing in other ventures. His story is not just about football but about transitioning, respecting your roots, and planning for life beyond the pitch. This is a critical message for young athletes: your identity and career go beyond playing days. In early 2025 Coentrão made headlines for being under investigation for an alleged illegal seafood operation in northern Portugal, where over a ton of undocumented seafood was seized. The incident underscores that even champions can face pitfalls when moving into new business arenas, reinforcing that discipline, legality and good support are essential. For young athletes and their support networks, this highlights the need for proper guidance when venturing outside sport. How 8lete can help young players following this blueprint The story of Fábio Coentrão offers several key lessons: humble beginnings do not limit you, support and mentorship matter, setbacks are part of the journey, planning beyond sport is smart, and discipline remains non-negotiable. A platform like 8lete can provide: Mentorship: pairing young athletes with former pros or coaches who understand the journey. Holistic development: physical, technical, mental and career guidance (including life after sport). Support network: community of athletes, coaches and families. Resources: structured training, goal setting, tracking progress and resilience development. Transition planning: helping athletes prepare for what comes after competition. Using these elements, 8lete can help replicate the positive parts of Coentrão’s journey while helping avoid some of the missteps. Fábio Alexandre da Silva Coentrão’s life is a powerful narrative: from a fishing town in Portugal to the heights of club and international football, and then back to his roots. He embodies the notion that talent must be accompanied by work, support, resilience and planning. For young players with dreams, his journey proves it can be done but also that success is multifaceted. With 8lete’s guidance and infrastructure, budding athletes can build their own path: one where humility meets ambition, where roots meet wings, and where every challenge becomes a stepping stone. May his story inspire you to work hard, seek the right support and never forget where you came from. Dream big, stay grounded and let 8lete help you make it real.
