Explanation: Pele, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on October 23, 1940, Pele began his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil and later played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
Pele's goal-scoring record is one of the most impressive in football history. He scored his 1000th goal on November 19, 1969, in a match between Santos and Vasco da Gama. This milestone was achieved over the course of his career, which included both professional matches and friendlies. The inclusion of friendlies in his goal tally is important to note, as it is a common misconception that the 1000 goals were all scored in official matches.
Pele's career spanned from 1956 to 1977, during which he played for Santos and the Brazilian national team. He won three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970) and was a key figure in Brazil's dominance in international football during the 1960s. His goal-scoring prowess, combined with his technical skills and leadership, made him a legend in the sport.
It is important to distinguish Pele's achievement from the goal-scoring records of modern players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While both Ronaldo and Messi have scored over 700 goals in their professional careers, they have not yet reached the 1000-goal milestone. Pele's record remains a testament to his exceptional talent and the era in which he played, where friendlies were more common and contributed significantly to his overall goal tally.
In summary, Pele is the first football player to score more than 1000 goals, a record that includes both professional matches and friendlies. This achievement is a significant part of his legacy and a key piece of knowledge in the history of football.