Pele's unique World Cup treble
The Brazilian legend is still the only man to have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy on three separate occasions, and will remain so until at least 2030.
The 'King of Football' tops the ranking for most trophies with three
Garrincha, Ronaldo and Giuseppe Meazza among legendary dual-champions
Record cannot be matched in 2026
Three FIFA World Cup™ titles. There is only one man in the history of the game to have achieved this feat, and who could it be other than 'O Rei' ('The King') himself?
To date, only Pele has three World Cup trophies to his name. He won the tournament in 1958, 1962 and 1970, helping to establish Brazil at the heart of the beautiful game, and move his country to the top of the rankings for the most World Cup titles, a position that they hold to this day.
In this article, we look back at Pele’s three triumphs, and much more besides.
At the 1958 World Cup, which was held in Sweden, Brazil coach Vicente Feola decided to bet big on the extraordinary talent of a 17-year-old rising star. Pele was emerging as a prodigy at Santos when he received the call-up to the Seleção.
He started the World Cup sat on the bench, but eventually made it on to the pitch for his team’s third group stage game and, in doing so, completely transformed their fortunes. He played four games as a starter, all of which Brazil won, with Pele scoring six times, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against France.
While fans in Brazil already knew his name, Pele’s performances in Sweden ensured that no-one in the world would forget it. His astonishing strike against the hosts, in which he chipped a defender before finishing on the volley, thrilled onlookers and announced his presence on the world stage as a future great.
As defending champions, Brazil came into the 1962 tournament in Chile with much of the squad that had served them so well four years earlier. The team’s backbone remained largely intact, notably stars such as Garrincha, Didi and Zagallo, and of course, Pele himself.
Brazil’s maiden title had forced the rest of the world to sit up and take notice. With Pele providing an assist, as well as a fantastic strike of his own, they beat Mexico 2-0, reinforcing their status as favourites to win a second trophy. Unfortunately, his tournament was cut short by an injury sustained against Czechoslovakia, leaving him unable to contribute any further.
However, even without their star forward, Brazil delivered on their promise and took home a second World Cup trophy in as many attempts, thanks in no small part to the outstanding performances of Garrincha, 'Anjo de Pernas Tortas' ('The Angel with Bent Legs'). Garrincha managed a haul of four goals, and his skilful play and dribbling prowess provided the impetus needed by a team shorn of their attacking talisman.
After a disappointing showing in 1966, in which they were knocked out during the group stage, Brazil arrived in Mexico four years later determined to reclaim their place at the top of the game. The squad was greatly changed from previous triumphs, with Pele the only remnant of the 1958 and 1962 squads.
Nonetheless, there was one very familiar face, with Mario Zagallo, a veteran of Brazil’s previous victorious campaigns, taking his place in the dugout. The stage was set for The King to conquer.
In a team packed with stars, and considered by many to be the greatest ever assembled, Pele shone brightest of all. The striker recorded four goals in Mexico, including the opener that paved the way to their iconic 4-1 victory over Italy in the final. In the same game, he provided an excellent assist for Carlos Alberto, who put the gloss on the scoreline with a smashing strike.
As the final whistle blew, twelve years on from his first title, Pele had now become a three-time World Cup winner – the first in history and, to this day, the only man to do so.
As well as many of Pele’s team-mates from the 1958 and 1962 tournaments, the list of two-time winners features such legends as Cafu, Ronaldo, Daniel Passarella and Giuseppe Meazza.
However, The King’s record remains unmatched, and will stay that way for at least another four years. Because there are no currently active players with two World Cup winner’s medals in their trophy cabinet, no-one will be able to equal Pele at the 2026 tournament.
In 2030, perhaps it will be up for grabs. Until then, Pelé will sit alone on his throne as a three-time FIFA World Cup champion.
Cafu and Ronaldo (1994 and 2002)
Daniel Passarella (1978 and 1986)
Bellini, Castilho, Didi, Djalma Santos, Garrincha, Gilmar, Mauro, Nilton Santos, Pepe, Vava, Zagallo, Zito and Zozimo (1958 and 1962)
Eraldo Monzeglio, Giovanni Ferrari, Giuseppe Meazza and Guido Masetti (1934 and 1938)