Pelé wore jersey number 10 for the Brazilian national team.
The number became inseparable from Pelé, but its association began partly through administrative chance. Before the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, Brazil's football federation failed to submit the squad's shirt numbers properly. FIFA therefore assigned the numbers, and Pelé received No. 10. He was only 17 at the tournament, yet scored six goals as Brazil won its first World Cup.
Pelé then transformed the shirt into football's most recognisable symbol of creative attacking play. He wore No. 10 during Brazil's World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962 and 1970, although an injury limited him to one match in 1962. The number is now traditionally associated with a team's chief playmaker or attacking star.
A common mix-up is assuming Pelé was always Brazil's No. 10 from his earliest appearances. The number became his signature during the 1958 World Cup, rather than being assigned through a lifelong personal choice. He finished his Brazil career with 77 goals in 92 matches.