Which Brazilian state was Pelé born in?

Pelé was born in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. His birthplace was the city of Três Corações, in southern Minas Gerais, on October 23, 1940.

His birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He spent part of his childhood in Três Corações before his family moved to Bauru, in the neighboring state of São Paulo. That later connection to São Paulo sometimes causes confusion about his birthplace.

Minas Gerais is a large inland state known for historic cities, mountainous landscapes, and a strong football culture. Três Corações means “Three Hearts” in Portuguese, and the city has embraced its connection with Pelé through museums and public commemorations.

Pelé’s father, João Ramos do Nascimento, was also a footballer, while his mother was Celeste Arantes. Growing up in modest circumstances, Pelé developed his skills playing informal football before joining organized youth football in Bauru. His Minas Gerais birthplace is therefore only the beginning of a story that soon continued in São Paulo state.