King of ‘beautiful game’: Football icon Pele dies at 82
Football icon Pele, who won three World Cups with Brazil, passed away on 29 December 2022. BOLD NEWS pays tribute to one of the greatest champions the beautiful game has ever produced.
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Pelé was a Brazilian former professional footballer who was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940 in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pelé began playing professional football at the age of 15 and quickly became a star, leading his team, Santos FC, to numerous victories. He was best known for his time with the Brazilian national team, where he won three World Cups and scored a record 1281 goals in 1363 games.
Pelé’s career spanned more than two decades, and during that time he became a global icon and a symbol of Brazil. He was the first player to score 1,000 goals in professional football and was the all-time leading goalscorer for Santos FC. Pelé was also named the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player in 1958, and he won the Ballon d’Or, given to the best player in the world, three times.
Despite his success on the field, Pelé was also known for his humble personality and his commitment to social causes. He worked as an ambassador for the United Nations and was actively involved in charitable work throughout his career. In 1995, he was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and in 1998 he was named a member of the Brazilian Football Confederation’s Hall of Fame.
Pelé’s impact on the sport of football cannot be overstated. He revolutionized the way the game was played and is credited with popularizing football in Brazil and around the world. His speed, skill, and precision on the field inspired a generation of young players and helped to elevate the sport to new heights.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Pelé shall also be remembered for his contributions off the field. He had been a vocal advocate for social justice and have had used his platform to raise awareness about a range of issues, including poverty, education, and healthcare. He had also been a vocal supporter of the LGBT community and has worked to promote equality and inclusivity in sport.
Despite his many accomplishments, Pelé remained humble and down-to-earth. In an interview with The Guardian, he said: “I’m not the best player in the world, but I am one of the best. I’m in the top one.” His modesty and dedication to his craft have endeared him to fans around the world and have helped to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of football.
