Pele Net Worth: Career Earnings, House, Lifestyle, Cars, & Other Assets

Pele, the legendary Brazilian footballer, has a stunning net worth of $115 million. However, it is not surprising to see such a sum labeled to him. All this money came from being the best at what he does, that is play football.

Lauded as the greatest Brazilian to ever grace the pitch and one of the best players of his time, Pele was the highest-earning athlete of his time. People were more than eager to splash some cash to watch this icon display his magic on the field.

At that point in time, contrarily, earning a lot of money basically from football alone was arduous. Football remains the top sport that has a hundred times more viewers than any other, game but with relentless effort and sheer will to be the best has made Pele who he is today.

Pele Net Worth | Insight to A Legendary Life

Previously known as Edson Arantes do Nascimento hailing from the municipality of Tres Coracoes, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Pele was born on 23 October 1940. He is the son of Dondinho, a Fluminese-based footballer and Celeste Arantes. Likewise, Dondinho and Celeste named their son after the great inventor, Thomas Edison.

As the years went by, Edson’s friends nicknamed him Pele after the Vasco da Gama goalkeeper, Bile. Although the names don’t match, it was initially a way of teasing Edson as a result of mispronunciation.

Robert Lewandowski Bio: Age, Height, Stats, Club, Career, Net Worth Wiki >>

Moreover, Pele, as a kid, lived in destitution near Bauru, located in Sao Paulo. To earn a living, he would work as a servant. Also, Pele first came to admire football through his father.

Unable to collect money to buy a proper ball, he would wrap sock and newspaper and tied it with a string. With an innate passion, Pele first joined amateur sides like Sete de Setembro; Canto do Rio, São Paulinho, and Amériquinha. Notwithstanding these stints, the Brazilian honed his skills at indoor games.

Pele Net Worth | Football Career Salary & Incomes

Historically speaking, nobody can manage to rule over the throne that Pele sits on. With a seemingly unbreakable record, only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at present are closer to challenging the Brazilians milestone.

Another milestone he set is scoring the most goals in football’s history for a single club, Santos FC. Throughout his career, the icon played for two decades at Santos FC, and upon nearing his retirement moved to New York Cosmos and played for three full seasons.

Yussuf Poulsen Bio: Age, Parents, Instagram, Stats, Club Wiki >>

With a highlight of a 37-year long career, Pele amassed a $15 million sum. Declared as a national treasure by then Brazilian President only aided to boost his reputation and significantly bump his paycheck.

While this may be true, the actual salary Santos FC paid Pele is not available to the public. Likewise, when the Brazilian national treasure started playing for New York Cosmos, he pocketed almost $6 million by the end of his contract. Added to that, Pele earned nearly $14 million through endorsement deals.

Pertaining to present age footballing contracts and wages, the amount he earned during his playing career might seem pale, but let us remind you he was the highest-paid athlete accounting every sport. Even at the age of 79, the legendary player still earns more than what we make in a whole year. In total, Pele accumulated $15 million from football alone.

Pele Net Worth | Movies, Investments, Endorsements & Book Publications

Upon concluding his football career, Pele’s primary source of income was endorsement deals. As such, Pele agreed to endorse Puma, Hublot, Volkswagen, Subway, Emirates, Santander. From his commercial contracts, the retired icon pocketed almost $14 million to date.

On the other hand, UNESCO appointed the Brazilian as its Goodwill Ambassador in 1994. Due to inspirational status, Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso announced Pele as Extraordinary Minister for Sport.

After a short duration of his ascension to the post, the football legend proposed law to uproot corruption in football, now dubbed as the Pele Law. When Pele was subject to accusations for laundering money from the UNICEF, he chose to resign from the post.

Thereafter, the retired Santos legend founded a television company that acquired the rights to broadcast matches and other international contests. The current status of the company isn’t talked about in the media these days.

Everton Soares Bio: Age, Stats, Career, Transfer News, Instagram Wiki >>

In his retirement life, the legendary footballer had the chance to reflect upon his life’s achievements, lowest points, and his family. As a result, Pele published several autobiographies.

A celebrity in and out of football world, his books were highly appreciated and became best-sellers in his native Brazil and several other countries. In the same way, Pele officially became an actor in 1969 with the television series Os Estranhos.

Not limited to this, the Brazilian would return to the cinematic world with few other documentaries and movies. These include: O Barão Otelo no Barato dos Bilhões, A Marcha, A Minor Miracle, Pedro Mico, Hotshot, Os Trapalhões e o Rei do Futebol, Solidão, Uma Linda História de Amor.

Most notably, he appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and other 60s-70s era players in a telenovela called Os Estranhos and similarly in a cameo role in Pele: Birth of a Legend.

Despite retirement and an aging body, Pele’s popularity isn’t subsiding anytime soon. It is because he holds a commanding position, is a natural social worker, and occasionally travels as a guest of honor for various events.

Houses, Lifestyle, & Cars

Often called The King, the iconic retired star has a slew of financial assets and other properties bought during/after his rise to fame. It is safe to say that the Brazilian owns a variety of cars, estates, and lives an exquisite life.

Reportedly in January of 2018, the Brazilian purchased a house that has a value of $4 million. The house is complete with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, a home office, a sports room, and a parking lot. With the sound of that, it must be quite lavish.

The compound is estimated to be laid out in a large acre of land. Similarly, the legend also purchased a sweet retreat at 156 Waterhole Road, near East End Waterfront, for a cheap $156k.

Marcelo Vieira Bio: Age, Wife, Salary, Stats, Transfer Wiki >>

At present, the Hamptons retreat has a value of around $2.5 million. The house is spread on a 3400 square foot land. It is another extravagant property that Pele owns, which includes a pool, an outdoor shower, and a deeded access to a nearby beach.

In like manner, the property comprises a spacious, modern kitchen and an entertainment deck with a living room double the standard size. Finally, the Brazilian-born owns a beautiful collection of cars.

These range from Maserati, Jeep, Mercedes, and Fiat. Currently, the star maintains a low profile while roaming about and hence drives a modest Fiat 500. Along with these, he highly treasures the cars he drove in his youth and proudly keeps them in his vintage collections.