What does Pelé's nickname 'O Rei' mean in English?

Pelé’s nickname “O Rei” means “The King” in English. The title reflects the extraordinary status he achieved in Brazilian football and the worldwide reputation he built during his career.

Pelé was already regarded as a remarkable young player at Santos, but the nickname became especially prominent after the 1958 World Cup. At only 17, he helped Brazil win the tournament, scoring twice in the final against Sweden. Brazilian newspapers and supporters increasingly referred to him as “O Rei do Futebol,” or “The King of Football.”

The nickname was not his original name. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, while “Pelé” was the short name by which he became known internationally. The exact childhood origin of “Pelé” has been debated, but “O Rei” is straightforward Portuguese and translates directly as “The King.”

Another common confusion is treating “O Rei” as a formal title or part of his legal name. It was an honorific nickname, similar to the way other sporting legends receive royal or superlative labels.