Pele was a legend on and off the field
By Lawrence Machado
Edson Arantes do Nascimento – October 23, 1940 – December 29, 2022.
Rest in peace, Pelé the greatest footballer the world has seen.
Thank you for the golden & magical memories on and off the field for your beloved Brazil and Santos, the New York Cosmos, and around the world. You cast a magical spell wherever you played or visited, and for this we are all grateful. Like all your rivals, we were mesmerised by your captivating spell on the pitch, and how you made this simple game such an exciting one every time you caressed the ball.
Yes, you are remembered as one of the greatest sportsmen ever to walk this earth.
You were unrivalled in many ways like three World Cups, Athlete of the Century in 1999 by the International Olympic Council and more accolades and awards than the 77 goals you scored for Brazil. Playing professional football at just 15, when most of us are still naïve about life, and then representing Brazil a year later, both historic achievements you handled so well. You never played for statistics and yet, the 1279 goals in 1363 matches is recognised as the benchmark by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Interviewing you in Dubai for the Khaleej Times in the nineties was easily one of my most memorable days and something I had always wanted to do, having grown up reading about your exploits and watching your incredible skills from old reels plus your million-dollar smile.
You were so down to earth during the interview and answered every question despite the huge media crush. It was one of the best interviews with a true world celebrity I have done.
You helped spread football as a player and later as the official ambassador for the game around the world.
You often thanked God for giving you extraordinary talents and now He is welcoming you into His Kingdom.
There will always be a new football superstar but there will never be another Pelé.
May the turf lie gently on you.
Heaven has a new mesmerising star and yes, we will all watch out for a magical shooting star now and again.
Your exploits will last till the end of time, along with the way The Beautiful Game and Pelé went hand in hand.
