RIP, Pelé

 

Some very sad news today to report. Brazilian football great Pelé has died. He was 82 years old.

Pelé was a very decorated football player, and many consider him the greatest player that the sport has ever seen. He led Brazil to that nation's first ever World Cup championship at just 17 years old. It was the first of three World Cup championships that he led that country to from 1958 to 1970. 

Pelé became a sports legend after tat success. He also famously was one of the key players for the New York Cosmos during their salad days, when they were regarded as one of the most glamorous teams in all of sports. 

For many years after his retirement, Pelé became a goodwill ambassador for his country of Brazil, and for the sport of football more generally. Back in 2006, my brother and I actually got to see him - and some other football greats - when the Red Bulls (formerly the Metrostars) honored some of the most notable players who added to the legacy of the sport in the greater New York area. It was actually a thrill to see him. I always kind of likened him to the Muhammad Ali of football/soccer.

RIP, Pelé. You will be missed.