Who took Pelé to Santos for a professional tryout in 1956?

Waldemar de Brito took Pelé to Santos for a professional tryout in 1956. De Brito, a former Brazil international forward, had become involved in scouting young talent after his playing career and recognized Pelé’s ability in Bauru.

He brought the 15-year-old to Santos FC and reportedly told club officials that the teenager would become “the greatest football player in the world.” Pelé impressed coach Luís Alonso Pérez, known as Lula, during the trial at Vila Belmiro. Santos signed him to a professional contract in June 1956, although he initially played some matches with the club’s amateur side.

A common mix-up is confusing De Brito with one of Pelé’s later Santos teammates or famous Brazilian contemporaries such as Garrincha, Didi, and Mário Zagallo. None of those players arranged this early move. De Brito’s scouting role is one of the defining parts of his legacy, alongside his own international career and his appearance at the 1934 World Cup. Pelé made his Santos senior debut later that year, beginning one of football’s most celebrated careers.