Pele was born in Três Corações ("Three Hearts" in French) in the State of Minas Gerais, north of Rio de Janeiro, October 23, 1940 son of Dondinho (João Ramos do Nascimento), former amateur football player, and Celeste (Maria Celeste Arantes), he has a brother Jair "Zoca" and a sister, Maria Lucia. For his date of birth and name, the records of Vital Statistics indicate the time October 21, 1940 and those of the parish where he was baptized, mention on October 23. His name is listed differently under the two acts: the first refers to "Edison" (in homage to Thomas Edison because of the arrival of electricity in the village) while the second mentions "Edson". The name "Edson" and dated October 23 will be the information which will finally. At age two, his family left for Três Corações Bauru in the State of Sao Paulo where his father landed a government job and a place in the football team of the city.
Very active child, his mother sometimes leave to accompany his father during his football training. This would be during one of these drives that have acquired the nickname Pele. The small Edison, who was only three years, playing with the custodian of Vasco da Gama FC, the club of his father. That's when his father noticed he shouts "Pilé" trying to pronounce the name of the custodian, a Bile. "Pilé" become "Pele" and the nickname of the child (even if his family and loved ones continue to call Edson).
Spotted by Waldemar de Brito (coach of the youth team of Bauru Athletic Club) in a selection, his talent for football led him to associate only stadiums. It incorporates thirteen team Bauru AC where he remained until 1956. Two years later, Waldemar de Brito left his coaching position but offers parents Pelé joined the Santos FC, that they accept.
