Pele

Edson Arantes do Nacimiento best known by his nickname Pelé was born October 23, 1940 in Três Corações. In his childhood his dream was to play for a professional soccer team, but he was poor and he could not afford to buy a soccer ball so he played with stuffed socks and grapefruit. At a young age, Pelé began playing for Santos Futebol Clube at just 15, his national team at 16, and won his first World Cup at 17. Thanks to Pelé's technique he scored a total of 1281 goals in a total of 1363 matches. In 1958, 1962 and 1970 he won the World Cup. In 1975 he decided to retire, but later on he continued playing for an American team where he nationalized himself American. Since his full retirement in 1977 he became an ambassador for soccer.

"Pelé has been married twice; first in 1966, to Rosemeri, with whom he had three children. This marriage ended in divorce in 1982. He married Assiria on April 30, 1994 and the couple have two children. In addition to his children from two marriages, Pelé has at least one other daughter, Sandra Regina Arantes do Nascimento (who died of breast cancer on October 17, 2006 at age 42)."

I consider Pelé a hero because even though he is a great man he never lost his humility and never became an arrogant person. Despite his fame and all kinds of records, he continues to lead a normal life.

I also think other people should consider him a hero because:

"he is generous with his own money, which he gives, above all, to organizations that help children around the world, social services in Brazil and to his own friends in need. He also participates in many charity fundraisers to benefit charity causes."*

Pelé and Beckenbauer have both been avid supporters of SOS Children's Villages for many years. Pelé is known as a national hero for his accomplishments and contribution to the game. He has officially been declared a national treasure by the Brazilian government. For me Pelé is different from all other athletes, he has a sparkle that makes him a special person.

In conclusion, Pelé has changed my life in many ways. First he changed it because he taught me why we should be generous with our money to poor and needy people. He also taught me that if we are not humble we will not overcome our challenges. And thanks to his soccer films I can try to improve my soccer skills. I think all the world has benefitted from his existance and has learned from all his values. And he is somebody who has triumphed in life, as a professional athlete and a philanthropist. I think it is not easy being like him, a person that can have many millions of dollars and still shares his wealth with needy people. It seems God gave him a mission on Earth being a hero and a perfect role model for kids.