The Legendary Pele: A Tribute to the Titan of Football
From the streets of Brazil to the pantheon of the sport
Today on December 29th, 2022, the football world was devastated by the news that Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, had passed away at the age of 82. Pele, who had been hospitalised in Sao Paulo since November due to a battle with colon cancer, was a former Brazilian, Santos, and New York Cosmos striker who is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Pele is Brazil's joint all-time leading goalscorer, with 77 goals in 92 internationals, and is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. In addition to his impressive sporting achievements, Pele is also known for his charitable work and for spreading the message of love throughout the world.
Upon hearing the news of Pele's death, tributes from fellow players, fans, and loved ones poured in. Neymar, who is Brazil's joint top scorer alongside Pele, said that Pele "turned football into art, into entertainment" and "gave visibility to Brazil". Kylian Mbappe tweeted that "the king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten". Santos, the Brazilian club that Pele represented from 1956 to 1974, paid tribute to him by changing their Twitter display picture to a crown and tweeting the word "Eterno" (eternal).
It's Called Soccer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Pele was born in 1940 in Tres Coracoes, the son of Fluminense footballer Dondinho and Celeste Arantes. He made his debut for Santos at the age of 15 and was given his first full Brazil cap at 16, scoring on his debut and remaining the youngest-ever scorer for Brazil to this day. Pele is Santos' all-time top goalscorer with 643 goals from 659 games, and helped the club to win multiple trophies, including six league titles, the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores, and the 1962 and 1963 Intercontinental Cup. Later in his career, he moved to the New York Cosmos, where he became one of the stars of the North American Soccer League, scoring 37 goals in 64 games for the club.
Pele's total of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which controversially includes friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record. However, it is for his feats in the famous yellow shirt of Brazil that Pele will be most remembered. He became one of the world's first truly global black sports stars at the 1958 World Cup and is the only player in history to have won that tournament three times. Pele was admired by his peers, with Michel Platini comparing him to "a God" and Cristiano Ronaldo stating that "Pele is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pele".
Pele's impact on soccer went beyond his own career, as he inspired and influenced future generations of players. He was one of the world's first global black sports stars, and his success on the pitch helped raise the status of soccer and Brazil on the global stage. His style of play, which featured incredible dribbling skills, speed, and scoring ability, was revolutionary and set a new standard for the sport.
The brilliance on the pitch was unmatched, as he captivated audiences with his exceptional skill and flair. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of soccer players.
But Pele's impact extended far beyond the soccer field. He was an ambassador of the sport, spreading his message of love and inspiration to people all around the world. He used his platform to promote social change and give a voice to the marginalized, making a significant impact on the world beyond soccer.
Pele's legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of soccer history. He is a true icon of the sport and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. His impact and influence will continue to inspire future generations of soccer players and fans alike. Rest in peace, King Pele.
Requiescat in pace. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; let perpetual light shine upon him.
It truly is the end of an era. Nice write-up on the legend of legends, Jake.