Pele: The life and times of football's first global star

"Watch Pele now... what a beautiful goal from Pele... El Rey Pele" - ITV commentator Hugh Johns

From a Rivelino cross, Pele rose majestically to head past Italy goalkeeper Enrico Albertosi in the 1970 World Cup final. The goal gave Brazil an 18th minute lead at Mexico City's magnificent Aztec Stadium.

Italy were ultimately brushed aside 4-1 as Brazil won the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third time. Television's first colour World Cup greatly enhanced the magic. In a team full of stars, Pele shone brightest.

Born in October 1940, the son of Celeste Arantes and Fluminense footballer Dondinho, Edson Arantes do Nascimento was nicknamed Pele as a young boy.

Stories vary over the origins of the name. Claims that an Irish priest saw the young boy and commented: "buachaill ag imirt peile", have long since been discounted.

A football talent emerged early, according to legend he was taught to play the game by his father, using largely makeshift homemade balls.

As a 15-year-old he signed his first professional contract with Santos in 1956. It began an association with the club that ran until 1974.

Three months shy of his 17th birthday, Pele made his Brazil debut and scored in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

On the day #Pele died, @davekelly4 looks back at the career of football's first global superstar pic.twitter.com/55pNkeeMK0

Despite his inexperience he played a central role in Brazil's first World Cup win in 1958. His goal was decisive as Brazil beat Wales at the quarter-finals stage. It was merely a taste of what was to come.

In the 5-2 semi-final win over France, Pele scored a hat-trick. Two more goals followed in the 5-2 win over host nation Sweden.

For one so young, these were truly remarkable feats. A star was born, after what was a