Pelé died on December 29, 2022, in São Paulo, Brazil, after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 82 years old. News of his death reached far beyond the football world — tributes came from heads of state, former teammates, and younger players who’d grown up idolizing him. He wasn’t just the face of Brazilian football. He was the game’s first global superstar.
As the world reflected on his legacy, another question kept coming up: how much was Pelé worth when he died? His playing career ended decades ago, but his name continued to bring in money. From brand deals to media appearances to licensing rights, Pelé stayed relevant — and profitable — long after retirement.
How Much Was Pelé Worth When He Died
Pelé’s net worth at the time of his death is estimated to have been around $100 million. That number comes from a combination of his earnings as a player, decades of endorsements, ambassador roles, and ongoing licensing of his name and image.
It’s not an exact figure — Pelé didn’t publicly disclose his finances, and Brazil doesn’t require estates to list assets in detail. But reports from sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes Brazil consistently placed his wealth near that range.
It’s especially striking when you consider the era he played in. Footballers in the 1960s and 70s weren’t signing multi-million-dollar contracts. But Pelé became a household name — and managed to keep earning from that recognition for decades.
Where Pelé’s Money Came From
Pelé’s fortune didn’t come from a single source. It was built over time — through football, business, and global appearances at events like World Cup draws, Olympic ceremonies, and campaigns for brands such as Mastercard and Emirates. His salary gave him a strong foundation, but what truly made him wealthy were the opportunities that followed his rise to international fame.
He spent nearly two decades at Santos FC (1956–1974), where he became such a national icon that Brazil’s government reportedly blocked any move to a foreign club. Santos responded by raising his salary and arranging lucrative international tours that centered around Pelé as the main draw. While records from that period are scarce, contemporary estimates suggest he was earning amounts equivalent to hundreds of thousands of dollars per month in today’s money — unheard of for a footballer at the time.
In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League. His contract was reported at $7 million over three years, with about $2 million allocated to cover taxes. Adjusted for inflation, the deal would be worth over $40 million today, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world during that era.
Beyond the pitch, Pelé worked with global brands including Puma, Hublot, Mastercard, Subway, and Emirates. One of the most famous deals in football marketing came during the 1970 World Cup, when Puma allegedly paid him $120,000 — nearly $1 million today — to tie his shoelaces on camera just before kickoff, ensuring their logo got maximum visibility.
His image and name were also licensed for use in video games, apparel, documentaries, and sports gear. In his later years, Pelé served as a paid ambassador for FIFA, the United Nations, and UNESCO, appearing at high-profile events around the world.
His steady involvement in brand campaigns and ambassador roles helped preserve and grow Pelé’s wealth, even decades after his final match.
Who Inherited Pelé’s Estate
After Pelé’s death in 2022, the process of dividing his estate revealed just how much was still in motion behind the scenes. His will left 30% of his assets to his widow, Márcia Cibele Aoki, including their shared home in Guarujá, a coastal city in São Paulo state where the couple lived together. The remaining 70% was designated for his children — with one possible exception still under legal review.
At the time of his passing, Pelé had seven recognized children, all named as heirs. But a legal battle involving Sandra Regina Machado, a woman confirmed by DNA in 1996 to be his daughter, brought additional attention to inheritance questions. Sandra died in 2006, but her two sons were ultimately included in the estate proceedings as her legal successors.
There’s also a potential eighth child. According to Pelé’s lawyer, Luiz Kignel, the will acknowledged her indirectly:
He indicated the possibility of the existence of another daughter, whose recognition will depend on a DNA test, which could not be carried out due to the pandemic and the state of his health.
The woman, a Brazilian national, has reportedly taken legal steps to be recognized as his daughter. A DNA test was ordered by a São Paulo court in September 2022, but has yet to be completed.
Aside from real estate and personal property, Pelé’s estate includes valuable licensing rights and a stake in the Pelé brand, which continues to generate income through image use, documentaries, tributes, and merchandise. A full financial inventory has not yet been disclosed publicly, but estimates still place his total wealth near the $100 million mark.
The inheritance process has continued into 2024 in São Paulo’s courts, with some details remaining confidential. Still, the broad outlines are clear: Pelé’s estate is being split between his family — with one last chapter possibly still unfolding.
How and When Pelé Died
Pelé died on December 29, 2022, in São Paulo, Brazil, after a long fight with colon cancer. He was 82 years old.
His death brought an outpouring of tributes from across the world. The simple message posted by Santos FC — “Eterno” — captured the mood better than anything else.
One word, shared everywhere. And enough to describe a man whose legacy lives on in football, memory, and wealth.
Pelé’s Wealth and Political Scandals
Pelé’s wealth was rare for a footballer of his generation — and the way he handled it set him apart. While most stars from the 60s and 70s faded financially, he remained stable, respected, and bankable for decades.
He didn’t earn today’s superstar salaries. His early wages at Santos were modest by modern standards. But he was smart about endorsements and licensing, working with brands like Puma, Hublot, Emirates, and Subway, and protecting the Pelé brand long after he left the pitch.
Still, his reputation wasn’t without criticism. In Brazil, many viewed him as too close to power — especially during the military dictatorship (1964–1985). He never spoke out publicly against the regime, and in 1970, he posed alongside General Médici after winning the World Cup, helping reinforce state propaganda. As Le Monde reported, Pelé “unflinchingly became the smiling face of a sinister dictatorship.” Though he later fell out of favor with some officials, his political silence remained a lasting criticism.
Despite that, he maintained wide respect in Brazil and abroad. Compared to players like Maradona, who left behind legal and financial chaos, or George Best, who struggled with addiction, Pelé’s legacy — while complex — remained mostly intact.
