Pelé is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups. He was part of Brazil’s championship teams in 1958, 1962 and 1970, a record no other player has matched.
At the 1958 tournament in Sweden, the 17-year-old Pelé became the youngest player to appear in a World Cup final and scored twice as Brazil defeated Sweden 5–2. He also scored a hat-trick in the semifinal against France. Brazil retained the title in 1962, although an injury kept Pelé out for most of that tournament.
Pelé returned to full prominence in 1970, helping Brazil win the World Cup in Mexico. He scored in the final against Italy and assisted Carlos Alberto’s memorable fourth goal in a 4–1 victory. Brazil’s third title also allowed the country to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently under the rules then in effect.
Other legends such as Beckenbauer and Maradona won one World Cup as players. Pelé’s record concerns winning tournaments as a player, not appearing in three World Cups or winning as a manager.