Epic : The many lives of Pele

Completed after nearly eight years of research and more than 250 interviews, Epic is the first biography to fully explore Pelé’s life on and off the pitch. One of the 20th century’s most iconic athletes, Pelé led Brazil to World Cup glory at 17, won the tournament three times, and scored over 1,200 goals. Yet his story goes far beyond statistics.

Journalist Andrew Downie draws on extensive interviews and archival discoveries to reveal the man behind the legend—his discipline, personal struggles, and complex public image. From his rise in a changing Brazil to his controversial views on race and politics, Epic offers an intimate, nuanced portrait of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.