The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is drawing ever nearer – with just 3 days to go! Between now and the start of the World Cup, we will take a closer look at a different statistic from the history of the tournament each day.

3 - Brazilian legend Pele is quite rightly held up as one of the greatest footballers in history, as he is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.

He first appeared at the tournament as a 17-year-old at Sweden 1958, quickly establishing himself as the new star of the sport. Six goals in four games, including two in the winning final against Sweden, was a phenomenal achievement for a youngster making his debut at the World Cup.

Four years later in Chile, an injury in the second match of the group stage robbed Pele of the chance to perform at his very best on the world stage once again. However, his Seleção team-mates did not let him down and brought him the second World Cup Trophy of his career.

At Mexico 1970, Brazil won the World Cup for the third time and Pele’s role in the triumph cannot be underestimated. He scored important goals, delivered magical assists and by his mere presence on the pitch struck fear into his opponents. His record at the tournament is likely to stand for quite some time.