Pelé

The official celebration of Pelé's thousandth goal in November 1969 and his career total have repeatedly been reassessed because of goals in friendly, military or youth matches and gaps in archives. Historical research published in 2025 even suggested that a forgotten 1959 goal would shift the actual date of his thousandth goal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Regarding racist abuse directed at goalkeeper Aranha, Pelé considered that the player had attached too much importance to the incident and recalled having suffered insults himself during his career. His remarks prompted criticism from players and anti-racism campaigners.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

During the 2013 demonstrations in Brazil, Pelé asked the public to set aside the protests temporarily and support the national team, provoking widespread criticism amid social anger and controversy over spending on stadiums.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Not applicable

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Personally implicated

In 1993, Pelé accused Ricardo Teixeira's CBF of favouring certain groups when awarding contracts despite better competing offers. Teixeira brought legal action and Havelange excluded Pelé from World Cup draws, triggering a lasting rift.

State of the evidence

Allegations

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Directly implicated

After publication of a dossier purporting to demonstrate tax irregularities, Pelé Sports & Marketing, of which Pelé was president, officially asked the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service to examine its own accounts.

State of the evidence

Alleged

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Directly implicated

As minister, Pelé championed far-reaching reform of Brazilian football, notably gradually abolishing the pass system and transforming clubs. The proposal met strong resistance from federations, clubs and parliamentarians, who particularly opposed the obligation to turn clubs into companies.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

Sandra Regina Machado brought a paternity action against Pelé. Several DNA tests and judicial decisions established that he was her father, and the finding was upheld on appeal in 1996 despite Pelé's attempts to obtain further tests.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

While serving as Extraordinary Minister for Sports, Pelé was accused by MP Eurico Miranda of having private interests, through associates of Pelé Sports & Marketing, in bingo projects while publicly intervening in their regulation.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Brazil's triumph at the 1970 World Cup was exploited by Emílio Médici's dictatorship, and Pelé became one of its most visible symbols. His institutional closeness and absence of public confrontation with the regime prompted lasting criticism of his role.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Not applicable

Poorly advised and involved in several business ventures, Pelé lost much of his wealth twice and came close to bankruptcy. Santos provided financial assistance on favourable terms, before his need for money contributed to his return to football with the New York Cosmos.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated