Pele, the greatest soccer player of all-time

 

Perhaps no other person in the rich and colorful history of world football is as revered and universally loved as Pele. 

Image source: witnify.com

Image source: sportsmemorabilia.com

Born in 1940, Pele like so many other Brazilians, grew up poor. Pele’s father was a professional soccer player, and quite a good one at that. However, a tragic leg injury shortened his career. John Eilermann. 

Pele picked up where his father left off by showing skill and talent at an exceptionally young age. His father, although injured, still took the time to train the young Pele. Because of a severe lack of funds, Pele used a grapefruit as a ball and a sock filled with newspaper as footwear during practice. John Eilermann.

However, Pele would not let poverty get in his way. He continued to practice, and he performed magically in local minor leagues as a forward. Pele’s coach, Waldemar de Brito, who was a famous player of Brazil, brought the youngster to the professional club Santos FC when he was 15 years old. John Eilermann.

Two years later, at only 17, Pele would be instrumental in leading Brazil to capturing the World Cup.

Pele would go on to weave his magic on football pitches everywhere in the world. To put things in perspective, and to perfectly encapsulate what Pele meant to football and the world, two countries at war even held a ceasefire because Pele was playing a game in the region. John Eilermann.