There are two famous things about Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more easily recognized as Pelé, the greatest soccer player in history.
The first is his amazing talent on the field and the second is his smile.
He has been called the “eternal master of the beautiful game”, won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and again in 1970. When he finally retired in 1977, Pelé had scored more than 1,000 goals.
Also Read: Brazilian football legend Pele has passed away
He scored 77 for Brazil, the mark only equaled by Neymar in the recent World Cup.
He achieved this at a time when football had less money and less of the carefully crafted media- and mega-business circus it is today.
As we mourn this legend, we must remember that, despite his great achievements on the field and later in public life, Pelé was always humble and happy.
This may seem like an increasingly cynical, acquisitive and technological world … but it should serve as a reminder that sport, at its purest, is a celebration of the best aspects of the human spirit.
Pelé loves football … even when he loses. And he loves people.
His contagious life and smile should inspire us all.
NOW READ: ‘Football in four letters’: World bows to ‘King’ Pele