How many Ballon D’Or trophies does Pelé have?

Read the events that led to Pelé denial of the Ballon d'Or trophy from 1958 - 1970 and his deserving recognition in 2015

Desmond Efe-Khaese

2023-10-29 11:11:46

Image Credits: © (@FIFA)

Celebrating the memory of the football legend, Pelé, October 23, 2023, would have marked his 83rd birthday had he still been with us. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 29, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that cements his reputation as the greatest football player in history.

In the mid-20th century, Pelé’s remarkable achievements shone for both Santos and the Brazilian national team throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Yet, despite his astounding feats, he remained overlooked for football’s most prestigious individual accolade, the Ballon d’Or, presented by the esteemed French magazine, France Football.

This was because of one fact; until the 1990s, the Ballon d’Or exclusively honored European players. The injustice of this situation was only rectified in 2015 when a thorough review of the award’s criteria was undertaken.

Upon the conclusion of this extensive review, it became abundantly clear that Pelé had been unjustly omitted from the accolades he rightfully deserved. The verdict was that he should have been the recipient of the Ballon d’Or in seven separate years: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, and 1970. As a token of belated recognition, the organization posthumously awarded Pelé these seven accolades, a fitting tribute to the aging king of football.

What other trophies has Pelé won besides the Ballon d’Or?

Pelé received numerous personal awards and accolades during his football career, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. Some of the most notable personal awards and achievements include:

Pelé won the World Cup three times during his career: in 1958, 1962, and 1970, all with the Brazilian national team.
In 1973, he was named South American Footballer of the Year while playing for Santos FC.
Pelé achieved victory in the Intercontinental Cup twice, in 1962 and 1963, also with Santos FC.
He participated in the World Cup in 1966 with the Brazilian national team.
He was recognized as the Best Young Player of the 1958 World Cup.
Pelé secured two Copa Libertadores titles with Santos FC in 1961/1962 and 1962/1963.
He was honored as the Player of the Tournament in the 1969/1970 World Cup.
Pelé was the runner-up in the Copa América in 1958/1959 while representing Brazil.
He clinched six Brazilian champion titles with Santos FC in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1968.
Pelé also won the NASL Soccer Bowl Championship twice with the New York Cosmos in the 1976/1977 seasons.
Throughout his career, he was the top goal scorer in various competitions, including Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, and Intercontinental Cup, among others.

These awards and recognitions underline Pelé’s status as one of the greatest football players of all time.

Looking ahead, the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is set to take place on October 30, 2023, falling on a Monday, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past, honor the present, and anticipate the future of football excellence.