From the moment Pelé first set foot on world football’s biggest stage, the question “which World Cups did Pelé win” has echoed across generations. SantaKick will guide you through the story of how Edson Arantes do Nascimento – simply Pelé – became the only player ever to have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy three times.
Pelé won the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups with Brazil – the only person in history to do so. He first triumphed as a 17-year-old in Sweden (1958), followed by Chile in 1962, and then Mexico in 1970. These victories didn’t just build a trophy case; they cemented him as a living legend of “the beautiful game.”
The three World Cups Pelé won
SantaKick now digs into each of the three tournaments Pelé won – what he did, how Brazil performed, and why each was special.
1958 in Sweden
When Brazil’s young prodigy arrived in Sweden, he was only 17 years old, but already showing signs of greatness.
- Pelé made his World Cup debut and became the youngest player to play, score, and win a World Cup final. He scored six goals in just four matches.
- His semi-final performance was unforgettable: a hat-trick against France to cement Brazil’s passage to the final.
- In the final versus Sweden, Pelé scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 win. He volleyed and flicked with maturity well beyond his years.
1962 in Chile
Brazil entered the 1962 tournament as reigning champions. Pelé was seen as indispensable — and he made an immediate impact before suffering an injury.
- He starred in the group stages: scoring vs Mexico and then in the match against Czechoslovakia (though the injury came during that latter game).
- Unfortunately, the injury sidelined him for the rest of the tournament. Yet Brazil, led by stars like Garrincha, carried on to beat Czechoslovakia in the final. Pelé still earned his third winners medal.
1970 in Mexico
Eight years later, Pelé returned to the grand stage, matured and in full command of his talent. This time, Brazil didn’t just win — they did so with style.
- Pelé played every match in Mexico, contributing both goals and assists. His presence was pivotal throughout.
- The tournament finale against Italy was marked by beautiful team play — including Pelé’s intelligent passes and leadership. Brazil won 4-1.
- He took home the Golden Ball as best player of the 1970 World Cup.
Why those wins matter
Winning once at the World Cup is monumental. Winning three times? That’s almost unheard of. Here’s what makes Pelé’s achievement stand tall:
- Unmatched record: No other player has won three FIFA World Cups. A few have won two, many have won one — but Pelé stands alone.
- Youthful brilliance: His first win came at 17. He holds records as youngest winner, youngest goalscorer, youngest hat-trick scorer in World Cups. He changed what’s possible for young talents.
- Resilient through adversity: Injuries in 1962 didn’t stop Brazil’s march. Pelé came back stronger in 1970. His influence spanned over a decade in international football.
Pelé’s World Cup stats & legacy
To fully appreciate which World Cups Pelé won, you also need to consider his broader impact: numbers, legends, teammates, and the lasting stories.
- Over his World Cup career, Pelé played in 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970 editions. He won three of those.
- He scored 12 official World Cup goals over those tournaments.
- His style — flair, improvisation, intelligence, physical and technical excellence — influenced generations of Brazilian stars (like Garrincha, Jairzinho, Tostão), and world superstars globally.
Other players who came close
To put Pelé’s achievement in perspective, here are some who almost matched his World Cup haul:
- Several legends managed two wins (e.g. some Brazilian players, some Italian, German team-heroes).
- A number of greats won one: Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo, etc.
- None had three. Pelé’s trio (1958, 1962, 1970) remains unique.
Conclusion
SantaKick hopes you now have a crystal-clear answer to which World Cups Pelé won: 1958, 1962, and 1970 with Brazil — a record no other player has ever matched. These wins tell the story of youthful brilliance, resilience, and unrivaled legacy.
If you’re hungry for more: check out his match performances, goal-scoring records, or how he compares to today’s stars (Messi, Mbappé, Neymar). Want profiles, best matches, or top-tens? Stay tuned with SantaKick — the place where football history lives.
