I agree it was the first World cup in Sweden, and Brazil in particular that drew me to football in 1957, TV was a new experience, Brazil were a new art form and Pele at 17 was the original maestro of Samba style football , pure magic.
I love that second video. All instantly recognisable pieces of magic from the greatest players of the last half a century... And then the legend doing all of them himself.
It's all long before my time and I didn't want to start a debate on "the greatest" on this thread, but I think the "most important" is undeniable. Without Pele, are Brazil even Brazil? Is the World Cup the biggest event in World football without the prestige that Brazil have? 2 of English footballs most iconic moments comes from England v Pele in 1970. Does Ronaldo become the player he was without someone like Pele preceding him? Santos is Brazils most successful club in continental football and has the second most league title because of Pele. That's purely off the top of my head from a football perspective, not even considering a cultural and political impact. It's an interesting thought experiment and we'll never know just how much he changed the world.
Flash art work maybe, not sure the image is appropriate, unintended maybe but "all along the watchtower" springs to mind.
It’s a reference to Pele famous ‘one day we will play football in heaven’ quote when Diego died mate. I think it’s beautiful and absolutely appropriate. Maradona made me fall in love with football. Well him and Gabbiadini (who as a 6 year old child I thought was better than Diego )
What Pele did for the game of football, both on and off the pitch, is immeasurable. He was a joy to watch on the field and a fantastic ambassador for football off it. A fitting tribute from the bent bastards at FIFA would be to call the actual World Cup Trophy 'The Pele Trophy' in the same way that the old Trophy was called the Jules Rimet. A massive loss to the game and to the world. The word 'legend' doesn't do him enough justice. RIP Edson.
Ever the diplomat, was Edson, he never had to cheat either at least not to my knowledge, different times of course but I get your point .
To remember Maradona for cheating is like saying you don’t like Italian scran cos your missus burned a frozen Lasagna.
I'll remember Maradona as a gifted footballer and the other goal he scored against us on the 'Hand of God' day was incredible. However, Maradona the player and Maradona the person are two different things. Off the field he was anything but a role model for youngsters to follow and that's what sets him apart from Pele.
