PUMA X PELE SIGNATURE RANGE

The Pelé collection is the 2nd offering to be issued under the “From The PUMA Archives” category of heritage products. Each product housed under this concept is influenced by PUMA’s storied sportlifestyle history. The Pelé collection can be found at PUMA Concept Stores, sporting good retailers and department stores. For more information visit www.puma.com.

“I think everybody knows that PUMA is synonymous with football…I used to be sponsored by PUMA,” said Pelé. “Now we are getting back together and I am very happy to come back to the family.”

Drawing inspiration from his storied football career, the theme of the Pelé collection is derived from his passion for the game and the different stages of his career. The collection includes replica tracksuits, jackets, tees, footwear, headwear and accessories. Each tracksuit pays homage to one of the clubs that Pelé played for: Santos, The Selecao (the Brazilian National Team) and the New York Cosmos.

Modern graphic print tees feature poignant images of Pelé captured throughout his career. Rendered in vibrant colors and relaxed classic silhouettes, every item in the range features Pelé’s recognizable signature.

Pelé. It is more than just a name.  It’s an icon.  The word invokes countless emotions and vivid memories.

Like no other before or since, he transcended his sport.  His game was much more than goals and wins; his game was of invention and innovation, of conquering barriers and pushing boundaries.  Every time he touched the ball, he was capable of creating something that had never been seen before.

He was an artist. The football was his brush, the pitch his canvas.

Welcome to his story.  Welcome to football.

As PUMA’s statement athlete for many years, Pele’s love for the game and his glorious achievements became an integral part of the company’s football heritage. The relationship began in 1962, during the early years of his promising career, and spanned the majority of his professional football life. Whether it was scoring goals on the pitch or signing autographs on the street, wherever Pele was, PUMA was by his side and on his feet.

Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940 in the southeast Brazilian village of Tres Corações. The son of a professional football player, Dondinho, Pelé was introduced to the sport at an early age. After an injury ended his father’s football career, life changed dramatically for Pelé and his family.

Forced to work odd jobs to help out, Pelé turned to football as an escape from his family’s difficulties. Under his father’s tutelage, a young Pelé showed tremendous promise and quickly attracted the attention of some of the biggest name in Brazilian football.

In 1956 at the age of 15, Pelé, made the most auspicious of debuts by scoring in his first official match for Santos against Corinthians. The goal was a sign of great things to come. During his 18 years at the club (1956-1974), Pelé would lead Santos to 11 Brazilian League championships and would become the all-time leading scorer in team and league history. When Pelé retired from professional football, at age 34, Santos honored his legendary career by retiring his jersey number. No player in Santos history would ever don the sacred #10 again.

Despite his tremendous accomplishments at the club level, Pelé’s success with his beloved national team is what made him famous worldwide. During his 12 years with Brazil, he participated in four World Cup Finals, winning three (1958, 1962 and 1970), earning him the distinction as the only player to lift the prestigious trophy three times. When he finally retired from international football in 1970, Pelé’s list of accomplishments was unmatched.

He leveraged his status to further causes that were dear to his heart, including working tirelessly for the children of the world through various charitable organizations. In 1978, he was the recipient of the International Peace Award for his philanthropic efforts.