Pele

Sporting heroes must, like the rest of us, pass away. England has just lost George Cohen, the gentleman full back of the 1966 side, our only winner of the ...

And in the book in 1977, Pelé recounted that he still had a bad feeling about that game. I scored twice in the first 10 minutes, but after the second goal I saw the goalkeeper crying. Appreciation of Messi is analysed through a different lens, in a different and more scientific era, and I love him for the way that – weaving his magic – he unites his team and bewilders his opponents. The man refused to come out of the dressing room. The team that won that World Cup in Mexico raised the game to an art form. In fact, Pelé (whose real first name, incidentally, was given in reflection of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb) created his first “football” out of socks from a clothesline. Pelé, the older of the two, was an unblemished figure. That was probably about as naughty as anything he needed to do to play his game. Ali’s movement, his audacious lip, and obviously his courage were channeled into prizefighting, a minority sport with disabling consequences for opponents and ultimately even for “The Greatest”. Nor is his nickname “The Greatest”, because that was an accolade that Muhammad Ali commandeered as his own. But from one era to another, one corrupt FIFA realm to the next, football at its finest is what Pelé termed Jogo Bonito, The Beautiful Game. Pelé won it three times, the first at age 17, and but for injuries sometimes wilfully inflicted on him back in the 1960s and 1970s, the Brazilian might well have made it four or five World Cups.

Pele made football a spectacle of natural grace and beauty and became a global icon, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.

The great German Franz Beckenbauer was also a focus of attention but Pele added status and glamour, heading Stateside in 1975 to Before receiving the award, recorded tributes were paid by Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff and Sir Bobby Charlton. The keeper had been sold perhaps the greatest dummy in World Cup history. Brazil's 1970 World Cup win was the pinnacle of Pele's career. He was the focal point of a dream team that has become enshrined in the game's history. Such was Pele's worldwide reputation that his name alone added instant credibility. Pele started out as a young boy at Bauru FC in Sao Paulo state under the guidance of former Brazil international Waldemar de Brito. During the match, he had stayed on and continued throwing himself into the physical challenges to prove bravery accompanied brilliance as substitutes were not permitted. Messi, however, has since gone on to claim World Cup glory with Argentina at the 2022 tournament. Pele travelled the globe as an ambassador for the game, in demand around the world and also by large organisations desperate to bask in the wattage of his fame and standing. Incredible." That knee injury was caused by earlier savage challenges in Brazil's first game against Bulgaria and Pele was so disgusted by his treatment that he vowed never to play in another World Cup - a decision the game was grateful he later reversed.

Brazil legend Pelé, whose captivating skill and athleticism ensured he was universally regarded as one of football's greatest players, has died.

João Saldanha, the coach who helped shape that 1970 side, once said: “Ask me who is the best right-back in Brazil, and I’ll say Pelé. In 1,363 games, he scored 1,281 goals, at the time of his retirement in 1977 more than twice as many as his nearest challenger. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on 23 October 1940, Pelé began his professional career at 15 and made his international debut a year later. After reports he was receiving end-of-life care, Pelé said he felt “strong, with a lot of hope” in a social media post on 3 December. Social media posts from his daughter Kely Nascimento showed that family members had gathered at the hospital to spend Christmas with him. Pelé, who had a colon tumour removed in 2021, was readmitted to Albert Einstein hospital in São Paulo in November amid deteriorating health.

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele is the only man to have won the World Cup on three occasions.

He added: “[Pele was] an icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever. [Tributes began pouring in](/sport/football/pele-tributes-brazil-mbappe-lineker-b2253172.html) for a man that, due to his outrageous talent and willingness to try – and often pull off – the seemingly impossible, many consider the greatest player of all time. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. RIP Pele and thank you.” Another ex-Three Lions striker, Geoff Hurst – who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final – also paid tribute. What is indisputable however is that he led his only major Brazilian club, Santos, to six Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, two Copa Libertadores crowns, two Intercontinental Cups and one Intercontinental Supercup.

Player hailed by many as greatest of all time dies in São Paulo hospital after battle with cancer.

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The Brazil legend's death in São Paulo has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the football world and beyond. Follow live updates with Michael Butler.

For the cheers of goal Thank you for the happiness you gave the Brazilian people and the people of the world. The brief televised highlights of the matches in Sweden were broadcast in a black and white that was actually more like blurred shades of grey but already the Brazilian prodigy seemed to be sharply focused and bathed in a golden glow. My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that currently embraces the entire world of football. [this is the greatest gallery of Pelé](https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2022/dec/29/pele-a-life-in-pictures) on the internet. He signed for the New York Cosmos in the twilight of his career and transformed the league there. Pelé was the best, the brightest, who made the football and entertainment a show. It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.” He smiled and joked with those of us who had met him in Rio, Mexico and elsewhere and even when he spoke of the the impossible pressures of the tour his expression was wry rather than bitter. [Pelé](https://www.theguardian.com/football/pele) also played an absurd number of matches in a schedule that would make modern sports scientists faint. What is certain is that Pelé invented this game, the idea of individual global sporting superstardom, and in a way that is unrepeatable now. Watching the instinctive skills of Pelé showed me that football could be played in such a manner, that joy could be had (& shown) within a successful football team.

With Brazil leading Sweden, the hosts, 2-1 he received a high pass in the penalty area. With a defender on his shoulder, he controlled the ball with his chest, ...

Nelson Mandela said of him, “to watch him play was to watch the delight of a child combined with the extraordinary grace of a man in full.” That is how he should be remembered. Along with Muhammad Ali, he was the first black global superstar. He piloted a law to clean up Brazilian club football but it was neutered in the Congress, where a powerful lobby defended corrupt vested interests. Never an activist, just by being himself he was the embodiment of black dignity. Always a sportsman and gentleman on the pitch, Pelé’s private life was less disciplined. “He was the greatest because he could do anything and everything on a football pitch,” said Bobby Moore, the England captain who lost to him in the World Cup in 1970. As it was, he showed a sharp eye for money in deals off the pitch. He was a global ambassador for football. “He feels that he’s a king, from head to toe.” The epithet stuck. Tarcisio Burgnich, an Italian defender given the job of marking Pelé in the 1970 World Cup final, said, “I told myself before the game he’s made of skin and bones just like everyone else—but I was wrong.” Pelé outjumped him to score the first goal. Edson was born in poverty in a town in the south-west of Minas Gerais state. But many of the game’s shrewdest analysts, and many former players, believed the greatest of all was Pelé, who has died in a hospital in São Paulo aged 82 after a long battle with cancer.

The death of the star – who had been in hospital since November – was confirmed by his daughter.

He answered his critics in spectacular style as Brazil regained the trophy in Mexico. Pele was exposed to some brutal treatment from defenders, in particular those of Portugal, as the South Americans failed to get out of their group. Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram: “We are thanks to you.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law lead the tributes to the Brazil and football icon who passed away on Thursday.

Que Deus te receba em paz, Rei! Muito mais que um ídolo do futebol. What a role model on and off the pitch. There is in each of these human manifestations an expression of beauty which touches us and gives us a feeling of eternity.” However, more than anything, he was a good man with a great presence and a fantastic smile.” It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.”

Born in October 1940, the football legend was named Edson Arantes do Nascimento after the inventor Thomas Alva Edison. According to Pele, his parents choose the ...

In others, it's suggested it was because of the way he mispronounced the name of his favourite footballer, Bilé. He opened up about his dislike for the Pele nickname in an interview with Tuttosport in 2019. His family announced his death with a statement this evening, with his daughter writing: "We are thanks to you. But it was too late and the nickname had stuck, following him into his hugely successful football career. He was so against the name that it actually caused arguments with his childhood pals during kickabouts in the school playground - but the most he protested, the firmer it stuck. Born in October 1940, the football legend was named Edson Arantes do Nascimento after the inventor Thomas Alva Edison.

Pele was a footballing legend the world over, but for people in Brazil he was so much more.

Again, many felt that was a weak position given his huge influence - and of course the turbulent politics that he lived through - including a dictatorship. Pele was also known to keep his head down when it came to politics. In fact, president Janio Quadros in 1961 even declared him a national treasure, which meant for years he couldn't be "exported" to play for clubs abroad, such was his hero status and importance for national pride. In a country where racism and classism are still so dominant, Pele, a black footballer from a poor background, was an incredible success story. When news eventually came of his passing, it was still a big moment. This is a moment that Brazilians had been expecting for some time but also dreading.

– I sometimes feel as though football was invented for this magical player.” — Sir Bobby Charlton, retired England great who won 1966 World Cup and Ballon d'Or ...

And to play like Pele is to play like God.” — Retired France star and three-time Ballon d’Or winner Michel Platini. – “The greatest player in history was Di Stefano. – “This debate about the player of the century is absurd. – “Pele was the most complete player I’ve ever seen. He’s the greatest player of all time, and by some distance, I might add.” — Retired Brazil star Zico. He was above that.” — Hungary star Ferenc Puskas. – “The best player ever? He had an extraordinary perception of the game.” — Brazil defender Carlos Alberto Torres. – “We went up together to head a ball. (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both great players with specific qualities, but Pele was better.” — Alfredo Di Stefano, the late Argentine star for Real Madrid. Pele has been praised over the decades by everyone from world leaders to artists. Those things he did were in one moment.

British F1 star Hamilton was among many famous faces from the sporting world to pay tribute to Pelé, after news of his death at the age of 82 was announced ...

[Stefano Domenicali](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/stefano-domenicali) said: "Very sad to hear the news that Pelé, one of greatest footballers ever has passed away. The Mercedes driver added: "Meant so much to get this from the legend himself. Pelé was known to enjoy motorsport and made several trips during his life to attend races. [Brazilian](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/brazil-football-team) won three World Cups with his country and became one of the first global soccer stars. Tributes poured in from across the sporting world and beyond after the news was shared by his daughter, Kely Nascimento, on social media. He also added several more photos, including one from 2021 in which Pelé was holding a Brazil football shirt with a special message for Hamilton.

The football great had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021 and had been hospitalised for the last month with multiple ailments.

Pinheiro, once said that Pele's career on the pitch "did more to promote world friendship and fraternity than any other ambassador anywhere". He would go on to meet Nelson Mandela, several US presidents and two Popes. But I was wrong.” In 1999, Pele was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and a year later he was elected Football Player of the Century by Fifa. His daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram: “All that we are is thanks to you. We love you endlessly.

Pele was a footballing legend the world over, but for people in Brazil he was so much more.

Again, many felt that was a weak position given his huge influence - and of course the turbulent politics that he lived through - including a dictatorship. Pele was also known to keep his head down when it came to politics. In fact, president Janio Quadros in 1961 even declared him a national treasure, which meant for years he couldn't be "exported" to play for clubs abroad, such was his hero status and importance for national pride. In a country where racism and classism are still so dominant, Pele, a black footballer from a poor background, was an incredible success story. When news eventually came of his passing, it was still a big moment. This is a moment that Brazilians had been expecting for some time but also dreading.

The Brazilian star makes the front pages of newspapers around the world on Friday, as they mourn a legend of the game.

Scotland’s Daily Record calls it the “Death of a legend”. The paper writes that the “world hails ‘divine’ genius who made football beautiful”. One of Brazil’s main paper’s, O Globo, has printed an unprecedented four editions, with different covers marking different points in Pelé’s career.

Brazilian football legend Pele has died at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched glory and unprecedented brilliance in football. Widely regarded ...

[who many describe as the original superstar](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/pele-brazilian-football-player-obituary-b1940322.html). “He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. They seem sad, as if reflecting a more complicated reality that the film had been exploring. His own feeling was coming from almost the opposite perspective. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. We will always remember those years when Pele dazzled the world with his skills. “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez said: “One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. The only three-time world champion showed by his actions that, in addition to being a great athlete, he was also a great citizen and patriot, taking the name of Brazil wherever he went.” He turned football into art and joy.” I’d say before Pele, football was just a sport. “Before Pele, ‘10’ was just a number.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of his trips to Britain, with Brazil, club side Santos and after his retirement. First trip to Wembley – as a ...

But successive 3-1 defeats to Hungary and Portugal saw the Brazilians crash out at the group stage and prompted an inquest back home. The match no doubt conjured up memories of Banks’ famous save from a Pele header at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. A Pele XI took on a Gordon Banks XI, with Archbishop Tutu acting as assistant manager to the Pele XI to celebrate Banks’ charity work in Africa. Pele joined Archbishop Desmond Tutu at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium for a charity game in April 2008 to mark the unveiling of a statue of former Leicester, Stoke and England goalkeeper Gordon Banks. Pele and the rest of Brazil’s squad stayed at the Lymm Hotel in Warrington, where autograph hunters turned up in their droves. Pele was still feeling the effects of injuries sustained in a crash in Hamburg prior to arriving in London.

The three-time World Cup winner has died at the age of 82.

The Premier League said Pele inspired “millions” of people throughout his career. The world of football paid tribute to Brazil great Pele following his death at the age of 82. Brazil’s Chelsea defender Thiago Silva said Pele had “changed the history of football”.

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton paid a heartfelt tribute to Brazilian icon Pelé who passed away on Thursday ...

"Meant so much to get this from the legend himself," he said. "Thank you for sharing your talent, genius and love with us. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Brazil begins first day of mourning the late footballing legend as landmarks are lit up in tribute.

He regularly faced monkey chants on the pitch and was called several racist nicknames. Lots of parallels have been drawn between Pelé and royalty - he was the closest Brazil had. But really, Brazilians will mourn for much longer. The front pages in Brazil were all talking about Pelé on Friday. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Pelé had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021.

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Brazil football legend Pele, who passed away on Thursday, aged 82, after battling cancer.

“Now I realise he was so strong and could do everything. And after when I was nine or ten, I started to watch some clips. “He didn't just win three World Cups - it was a new thing when he came up. “The legacy after many years is still there. [Guardiola](https://www.mancity.com/players/pep-guardiola) said: “I send on behalf of Manchester City, the biggest condolences to his family and friends. SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUISVE CONTENT](https://www.mancity.com/city-plus)

See what a host of our current and former players had to say after hearing the sad news of the footballing icon's death.

Copyright 2023 The Arsenal Football Club plc. [pic.twitter.com/ICOBjYk0ai] [December 29, 2022] [pic.twitter.com/AAXaitn2ZY] [December 29, 2022] I was very lucky to meet him and exchange shirts and have a brief chat about the game we love. Sporting Director Edu headed to Instagram to offer his thoughts, stating: "Today the person with the greatest light I've ever met passed away! [pic.twitter.com/TtcNapMLbG] [December 29, 2022]

Premier League and EFL clubs will wear black armbands for their next round of fixtures as a mark of respect for Brazil legend Pele, who died on Thursday.

Premier League

The world mourned Friday after learning football icon Pele had passed away. The news hit close to home for Brazil's United Cup team, including Thiago ...

"Pele is the biggest idol we have not only in sports, but in general. “Today unfortunately is a very sad day in Brazil, all over the world. He has a big legacy, maybe the best one in the sport for us. Also he did everything with such energy and such passion that I just try to keep this to myself and tried to follow this path the way he did,” Monteiro said. He played with his heart, he showed love to everybody, so that’s what Team Brazil is going to do not only today but for the rest of the tournament and the rest of the year. Stefani added: “We played today to honour him and to celebrate him because that’s what he did.

Huge crowds expected for funeral of footballing great as well as the inauguration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Pelé chose and paid for a space on the ninth floor of the building almost two decades ago, according to the newspaper O Globo. Pelé is loved by people here and by fans of the club because he projected the name of Santos all over the world.” “I think there will be lots of people,” Dias said of the public commemoration. “He came here to Santos as a boy, and he left as a king. He was idolised not just by the Santos nation but by the whole of Brazil and by all football fans. His body will be laid out in the centre circle for 24 hours before being taken for a private family funeral at 10am on Tuesday. Reports on Friday said the far-right president would fly to Florida in the coming hours and avoid handing over the sash of office to his leftist successor. Some live in the United States and others are scattered across Brazil, a nation almost as big as Europe. “Everyone here is sad because at the end of the day Pelé was such a part of our lives. The incoming leader, Lula, said: “Few Brazilians have taken our country’s name as far as he has. It’s like we’ve lost a member of the family.” Bolsonaro decreed three days of state mourning.

Player widely regarded as greatest to ever play the game died at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.

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The football community is mourning the loss of an icon, following the death of Brazilian legend Pele. The late, great Brazilian remains the only player to ...

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