PELE hated his own nickname – and instead wanted to be known as Edson when he admired Thomas Edison.
The Brazilian icon, 80, is one of the most recognizable faces – and names – in football with many considering him as the greatest footballer of all time.
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But while he is known the world as Pele, the former striker’s aspirators have used the nickname his parents have given him.
His full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, which is not the same as the famous American inventor’s surname.
Edison is considered the brain behind the camcorder, phonograph and early versions of light bulbs among hundreds – if not thousands – of other scientific ideas.
And clearly Skin – or Edson – is a huge fan.
Talking to TuttosportThe three-time World Cup champion said: “I had a happy childhood. My name was Edson, then they started calling me Pele.
“I didn’t like it, I started arguing with people. I was a fan of Thomas Edison.
“What is Pele? Thomas Edison is important!”
The striker became globally prominent at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
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It was the first time that a 17 year old boy left Brazil and he is back, not only as the youngest player to make it to the World Cup but also as a national hero with two goals in the final.
He added: “I can’t imagine being called at that age. There are so many different people from Brazil.
“When we got to the airport there were no blacks. It was an amazing change in my life.
“I can’t forget that moment [the header in the final]People say I’m too young. “
Pele also replied Sylvester Stallone’s revelation that former superstar Santos broke the finger of hero Rocky.
The couple are filming for Escape To Victory as the Brazilian’s penalty causes the injury.
“It was one of the low points in my life,” Stallone said.
“I got a kick in the butt! I still have a broken finger trying to block Pele’s penalty.
We don’t have a close friendship but when we meet, we always joke about who is the best
Pele on Diego Maradona
“He wore World War II shoes, made of steel, and the ball was like a cannonball – it was twice as thick and heavy as today’s soccer balls.”
But Pele describes looking back at Escape to Victory now as an emotional challenge.
He added: “It was so touching to watch the pictures again. I held back so I wouldn’t cry, I said thank you.”
Talk about him Mixed relationship with the late, great Diego Maradona, Pele continued: “We didn’t have a close friendship, but when we met, we joked.
“‘Are you better than me?’ “But I scored with head right, left and head. And you don’t.”
“We always joke about who is the best.”
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