Pelé, often hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, revolutionized the sport in ways that went far beyond his legendary skills on the field. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé’s influence on football is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to shape the game today. Here’s a deep dive into how Pelé changed football and left an indelible mark on the sport globally.
1. Elevating the Global Profile of Football
Pelé’s talent was evident from an early age, and by the time he was 17, he had led Brazil to their first FIFA World Cup victory in 1958. His brilliance on the world stage instantly raised the global profile of football, especially in countries outside Europe, where the sport had yet to capture the same level of attention. The way Pelé played transcended geographical boundaries and introduced millions to football, particularly in the Americas and Africa.
As Brazil won subsequent World Cups in 1962 and 1970, Pelé became a symbol of excellence and inspiration, igniting a football revolution across the world. His presence and success helped elevate Brazil’s national identity as a football powerhouse.
2. Redefining the Role of a Forward
Pelé’s style of play was ahead of its time. Unlike many forwards of his era, Pelé wasn’t just a clinical goal-scorer; he was a complete forward who could dribble, create opportunities, and even defend when necessary. His ability to combine technical skill, agility, and creativity changed the way people viewed attacking play. Pelé’s agility and poise on the ball allowed him to break through defenses with flair, making the beautiful game even more elegant and thrilling to watch.
He also had a rare ability to see the game and anticipate movements in a way that many of his contemporaries could not. This vision enabled him to not only score but also create goals, turning him into a playmaker as well as a finisher.
3. The 1970 World Cup: The Peak of Footballing Excellence
Pelé’s performance in the 1970 FIFA World Cup is widely regarded as one of the greatest individual achievements in the history of football. In this tournament, Pelé led Brazil to their third World Cup victory and demonstrated footballing brilliance that left fans and pundits alike in awe. The Brazilian team of 1970, featuring Pelé, Tostão, Jairzinho, and others, is considered by many to be the greatest national team ever assembled.
Pelé’s iconic goals and leadership on the field during the 1970 World Cup not only solidified his place as the best player in the world but also showcased the effectiveness of the Brazilian style of play, which emphasized flair, creativity, and attacking football. Pelé’s contributions to this tournament raised the bar for future generations of footballers, inspiring players to incorporate more skillful and imaginative play into their game.
4. The Role of Pelé in Globalizing Football
Pelé’s impact on the sport wasn’t confined to just Brazil or the countries in which he played. As the first global football superstar, Pelé became a worldwide ambassador for the game. His stardom helped bring football to the forefront in countries where the sport was relatively unknown. His presence at global events, charity matches, and exhibitions spread the gospel of football to the most distant corners of the world.
Pelé’s later move to the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1975 played a crucial role in popularizing football in the United States. While the NASL didn’t achieve long-term success, Pelé’s time in America laid the foundation for the growth of soccer in the U.S. He inspired a generation of American players and fans, helping to establish football as a major sport in the country.
5. Changing the Perception of Brazilian Football
Pelé wasn’t just a player who excelled individually; he helped change the entire perception of Brazilian football. Prior to Pelé’s dominance, Brazilian football was often seen as a raw, unstructured style of play. Pelé helped refine the Brazilian game, making it more strategic, organized, and disciplined while maintaining its flair and creativity.
This change wasn’t just about technical skill it was also about the way Brazilian players viewed their role in the team dynamic. Pelé’s emphasis on teamwork, even as a player of extraordinary individual talent, set the tone for the next generation of Brazilian players, including Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho, who would continue the tradition of dazzling football in the years to come.
6. An Icon for Racial Equality and National Pride
In Brazil, Pelé transcended his role as a footballer to become a symbol of national pride, particularly for the country’s Afro-Brazilian community. During a time when racial inequality was prevalent, Pelé’s success helped challenge social norms and stereotypes about race. His rise from humble beginnings to global stardom offered hope and pride to millions of people, particularly in a nation where race and class were often sources of division.
Pelé’s identity as a Black man in the upper echelons of global football had a significant impact, helping to normalize Black excellence in the sport and beyond. His influence has had a lasting impact on the cultural and social landscape of Brazil, where he remains a hero and a symbol of unity.
7. Pelé’s Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Pelé’s contributions to the sport of football have lasted far beyond his retirement in 1977. He remains active in promoting the game, serving as an ambassador, and engaging in various humanitarian causes.
His brand and persona continue to influence not just football but also global culture. Pelé has often spoken about using his platform to positively influence the world, advocating for social change and peace through the universal language of football.
Pelé didn’t just play football; he changed the way the world views the game. From elevating the status of football globally to redefining the forward position and challenging social norms, Pelé’s impact on the sport is incalculable. His artistry on the field, coupled with his humanitarian efforts off it, has made Pelé not just a football legend but a global icon. Today, players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are often compared to Pelé, owe much of their success and global recognition to the path Pelé forged for future generations of footballers. As the “King of Football,” Pelé’s legacy will forever echo through the world’s greatest sport, reminding us of his unparalleled influence on the beautiful game.