Remembering Pelé

By Kurtis Ottey

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Yesterday we as the soccer community were informed that Brazilian Legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento better known as Pelé passed away at 82. Across the world someone of the biggest names in the game, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo to David Beckham took to social media to express their condolences. A prominent figure in the world of soccer, I figured it would be best today to go into detail about why he means so much to the game and how impacted/revolutionized the sport. Establishing soccer in North America where it was previously nowhere on the radar specifically here in the USA.

Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who is best known for his successful career with the Brazilian national team and Santos FC. Pelé is also recognized for his contributions to the sport, including his role in popularizing soccer in Brazil and abroad.

Pelé began his professional career at the age of 15 with Santos FC in Brazil. In his first season with the club, he scored an impressive 58 goals in 57 matches. Over the course of his career with Santos, Pelé scored 619 goals in 638 matches, making him the club's all-time leading scorer.

Action Plus Sports Images / Alamy

Pelé's international career was equally impressive. He made his debut for the Brazilian national team at the age of 16 and quickly became a key player. In 1958, at the age of 17, he helped lead Brazil to victory in the World Cup, scoring six goals in the tournament, including two in the final against Sweden. Pelé went on to win two more World Cups with Brazil, in 1962 and 1970. He also won the Copa America with Brazil in 1959 and was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1962, 1963, and 1964.

In total, Pelé scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, making him the country's all-time leading scorer. He is also the all-time leading scorer in the history of the World Cup, with 12 goals in 14 appearances.

Pelé joined the Cosmos in 1975 at the age of 35, after retiring from professional soccer in Brazil. The Cosmos were a new team in the North American Soccer League (NASL), which was trying to establish itself as a major league in the United States. The signing of Pelé was seen as a major coup for the league and the Cosmos, as it brought global attention and credibility to the sport in the United States.

During his time with the Cosmos, Pelé played in 114 matches and scored an impressive 77 goals. He was a key player for the team and helped lead the Cosmos to three NASL championships in 1977, 1978, and 1980. Pelé's presence on the team also helped boost attendance and interest in the league, and his performances on the field earned him widespread praise and admiration.

Pelé's time with the Cosmos was not without controversy, however. He was criticized for his high salary and for taking time off to participate in other activities, such as promotional tours and movie appearances. Some fans and media also felt that he was past his prime and not as effective on the field as he had been earlier in his career.

Despite these controversies, Pelé's time with the Cosmos is widely remembered as a successful and influential period in his career. He helped bring soccer to the forefront of the American sports landscape and was a key figure in the growth and popularity of the sport in the United States. His contributions to the Cosmos and the NASL have earned him a place in the team's Hall of Fame and the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In addition to his success on the field, Pelé also had a significant impact off the field. He was a key figure in popularizing soccer in Brazil and helped raise the profile of the sport worldwide. Pelé's popularity and influence extended beyond the soccer pitch, and he became a global ambassador for the sport, promoting soccer as a way to bring people together and promote peace.

Despite retiring from professional soccer in 1977, Pelé's legacy in the sport lives on. He is often referred to as the "King of Soccer" and is considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the global soccer community have cemented his place in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

After retiring from professional soccer in 1977, Pelé focused on building his brand and becoming a successful businessman. He endorsed numerous products and appeared in commercials for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Mastercard, and Hanes. Pelé also released several books, including an autobiography and a series of children's books that aimed to promote soccer to young readers.

Pelé also used his platform and influence to advocate for various social and political issues. He was a vocal supporter of environmental causes and worked to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet. Pelé also used his fame to promote peace and understanding, often participating in charitable events and speaking out about the importance of tolerance and unity.

In recognition of his contributions to soccer and his impact on society, Pelé has received numerous accolades and honors throughout his life. He has been inducted into the International Olympic Committee, the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame, and the Brazilian Sports Hall of Fame. Pelé was also named one of the "100 Most Important People of the 20th Century" by Time magazine and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014.

While Pelé will always be remembered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, his impact extends beyond the soccer pitch. His business success, charitable work, and advocacy for important social and political issues have solidified his place as a respected and influential figure in the global community.