Pelé

Portugal

Born in Albufeira, Portugal, Pelé started playing professionally for local Imortal DC, moving to Algarve neighbours S.C. Farense after five seasons and spending one year in the Segunda Liga. He also played from 1999 to 2001 with his first club at that level. Pelé joined C.F. Os Belenenses for 2003–04, making his Primeira Liga debut on 1 August 2003 in a 1–1 home draw with U.D. Leiria. The following campaign, already an important first-team element, he scored the game's only goal for the former at home against Sporting CP on 6 March 2005.

Southampton

Pelé signed for Southampton for an undisclosed fee – believed to be £1 million – on 19 July 2006. He had attracted the attention of Premiership club West Ham United and Portsmouth, but decided to opt for the potential of the Championship side, where he was likely to get more games. On 30 December 2006, Pelé scored his first competitive goal for the Saints, against Leicester City. He started the season in his natural central defensive position but was eventually moved into defensive midfield, playing alongside Jermaine Wright while also moving back into defence to cover for injuries to Darren Powell and Claus Lundekvam.

West Bromwich Albion

On 9 August 2007, Pelé signed with West Bromwich Albion for £1 million on a two-year contract. He made his official debut as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat away to Burnley, on the opening day of 2007–08. Pelé made 13 starts during the campaign, in…

After turning down invitations in the past, Pelé accepted an invitation to play for Cape Verde, starting appearing for the nation in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification stage.

Pelé married Jo, with whom he had two children, Rhaianna (born 2008) and Taelan (2012). The couple also fostered a large number of children.