By Matis Molina Ricard ’24
Pelé, the only player to be a three time World Cup winning soccer star, passed away in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the age of 82 after battling cancer. He is Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer, alongside soccer superstar Neymar Jr., having 77 goals in 92 matches and became a soccer icon after winning the World Cup at the young age of 17 years old, scoring twice in the final against Sweden.
Pelé is the only player to have ever won three World Cups which were in 1958,1962, and 1970. He is one of only five players to have been able to score in two World Cup finals and is the youngest player to have ever scored in a finals of the tournament. In total he scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances and also provided 10 assists, which is the most by any single player in the history of the competition. For most of his career he played on a Brazilian soccer club called Santos where he scored 643 goals in 659 matches with them.
Pelé revolutionized the sport of fútbol and was single handedly able to change the way the game was played. He added more flair and turned the sport into a form of entertainment for all to enjoy. He inspired millions around the world and, in particular, the Brazilians who take inspiration from their great players such as Pelé. Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, said, “Sorrow for the passing of a man, who through football took the name of Brazil to the world. He turned football into art and joy.” This shows just how important Pelé was not only to Brazil but to the entire world. He revolutionized the way the sport was played and viewed, and he will live on forever through the sport
