Top five FIFA World Cup records set by Pele

The legendary player is widely regarded as one of the best to ever grace the sport.

Pele was an absolute treat to watch during his playing days. He took Brazil to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He went on to score 77 goals in 92 international caps. Furthermore, the legendary striker won multiple trophies at both domestic and international levels.

His rivalry with Diego Maradona was still talked about years after both stopped playing football. They were outrightly the best players of their generation and fierce competitors who brought out the best in each other. Pele set many records in club football and international football. In particular, he set five iconic feats at the World Cup, the biggest tournament that the sport has to offer.

Here is a look at the five World Cup records set by Brazil’s legend, Pele:

Youngest player to play in the final

Pele became the youngest player ever to play in the final of the FIFA World Cup. He achieved this feat during the 1958 edition. That particular World Cup was special for both the player and the national team. 

While Brazil won the tournament, Pele set multiple records. He was only 17 years and 249 days old when the Selecao won its first-ever World Cup by beating Sweden in the final.

Also Read: Top five youngest FIFA World Cup winners

Youngest goalscorer

At the age of 17 years and 239 days, Pele scored at the 1958 FIFA World Cup to become the youngest goalscorer ever in the tournament’s history. He managed to achieve this feat after scoring in a 1-0 win over Wales in the quarter-final.

He scored for the national team in the 66th minute. That goal was the difference maker and also historic that made him the youngest goalscorer at a World Cup. 

Youngest hattrick scorer

During the 1958 edition, Pele became the youngest player ever to score a hat trick at the World Cup. At the age of 17 years and 244 days, the attacker managed a hat trick against France in the semi-final.

There were seven goals in a 5-2 thriller between Brazil and France with the winner heading to the final. Pele scored a second-half hat trick to guide his team into the final with style.

Youngest goalscorer in the final

Pele scored in the final of the 1958 FIFA World Cup as well. The 5-2 win over Sweden saw him score a brace for his country. Thanks to his goals and strikes from Vava and Zagallo, Brazil went on to win its first-ever World Cup title.

Pele was only aged 17 years and 249 days when he scored for Brazil in the final against Sweden. 

Youngest player to win the silver ball

The 1958 edition was special for a number of reasons for Pele. Not only did he set multiple records, but he also established himself as a superstar in football at such a young age. Post the 1958 World Cup, Pele won the silver ball award.

The Silver Ball award is given to the second-best player after the best player who instead receives the Golden Ball award. In the 1958 edition, Brazil’s Didi won the Golden Ball while Pele took the Silver Ball, becoming the youngest to win it.