In what year did Pelé become Brazil's Minister of Sports? He became Brazil's Minister of Sports in 1995. President Fernando Henrique Cardoso appointed Pelé in January of that year, making the football icon a senior government figure after his playing career had ended.
Pelé's appointment reflected his extraordinary national stature. He used the position to advocate reforms aimed at making Brazilian football more transparent and professionally managed. His most notable initiative was legislation that became known as the Pelé Law, which sought to reduce club control over players and address corruption and financial problems in the sport.
Pelé remained in the role until 1998. The title is sometimes rendered as “extraordinary minister for sport” or “Minister of Sports,” but these descriptions refer to the same 1995 appointment. His public work also included serving as a United Nations ambassador for ecology and the environment and as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.