Pele The King of Latin America Football "The Pearl Art of Cultivating A Round Leather"

There is always debate about who is the greatest footballer of all time. However, in a poll conducted by the History Television Channel in 2018, Pele was in the top position. behind the Brazilian national team legend, then there are the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two idols of the present.

Although still biased and debatable, the results of the History poll may be considered as an acknowledgment of Pele's greatness which is actually indisputable. At least, the man whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento was the biggest in the World Cup and scored a thousand throughout his career.

Pele's greatness is not only due to his special talents. He also proved timeless by various challenges. He is always able to prove himself and answer beliefs even in the midst of doubt.

Reliable from the start

Pele's soccer abilities have been special since childhood. The special talent handed down by his father, Dondinho, still glowed even when playing with socks or trash as a ball.

Because he often humiliates his peers, Pele even was rebuked by his father. "I am angry with you, Dico (Pele's nickname as a child). I see you teasing other kids. You have to respect them more. You have no right to do that just because you have been gifted with talent. Remember, God gave that talent! " said Dondinho as revealed by Pele in Why Soccer Matters.

The talent was eventually captured by the eyes of Waldemar de Brito, a Brazilian national team player at the 1934 World Cup. Based on his belief, he asked Dondinho to take Pele to trial at Santos. At that time, the player who was then nicknamed Perola Negra was only 15 years old.

Because of his thin body, Pele is underestimated. In Santos, he did not immediately get a chance to play. He is like a servant to senior players. He brought them coffee, cigarettes and soda.

However, as the saying goes, diamonds will remain sparkling even in the mud. Slowly but surely, Pele showed his greatness and then opened the eyes of Lula, Santos's coach at the time. Especially after he conquered their reliable defender, Formiga.

Right on September 7, 1956, Edson Arantes do Nascimento was finally in the Santos first team against Corinthians, a club from Santo Andre. In that match too, he scored the first goal of about 1,280 goals that he made throughout acting in football.

Won in the World Cup

Santos then became the only club that Pele defended. During 18 defending the club, he managed to collect 619 goals from 638 appearances. He also managed to bring Alvinegro Praiano won 6 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A titles, two Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups.

Pele indeed later had time to defend the New York Cosmos in 1975. However, in fact he had retired a year earlier. He played until 1977 and led the club to win the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Santos also became the bridge for Pele to penetrate the Brazilian national team and take part in the World Cup, precisely the 1958 World Cup. However, doubts immediately confronted. Again, about the age and stature.

To enter the Selecao squad for the 1958 World Cup, all players must be healthy and in very good condition. Selection was made for 34 players. Among them, Pele and Garrincha received special attention. Pele is too young, Garrincha doesn't have a perfect physique, her legs are limping.

"Pele is really too young," sociologist Joao Carvalhes told coach Vicente Feola. "He did not have the fighting spirit needed, too young to feel aggression and show sufficient reaction. He also has no responsibility for team spirit. I'm not suggesting you bring him to Sweden. "

Luckily for Pele, Feola turned out to be stubborn. After reading the Carvalhes report, he said, "You might be right. However, the problem is, you have no idea about football! If it's healthy, Pele will play!

Feola's choice was not in vain. Pele proved himself to be a special figure. In his first World Cup, he ordained himself as the youngest goalscorer, the youngest goalscorer in the finals, and the youngest world champion. That's because he did it at the age of 17 years.

Almost stopped because of frustration

For Pele, success in Sweden in 1958 was a fulfillment of a promise. When Brazil failed to win the 1950 World Cup, he saw Dondinho crying. At that moment, he said, "It's okay, Father. One day, I promise, I will win the World Cup for you. "

Not once did Pele fulfill that promise, but three times. In addition to Sweden in 1958, he also brought Brazil triumphed in Chile in 1962 and Mexico in 1970. The three titles made him the most successful. No other figure has been able to match that achievement to date.

At the 1958 World Cup, 17-year-old Pele was a mainstay of the Selecao. Even though he arrived in Sweden with less fit conditions, he managed to perform brilliantly on the pitch.

Perola Negra succeeded in bringing the Brazilian national team to the championship and was able to score six goals in four matches. In the final against the Swedish national team, he managed to score two goals. In that party, the Selecao won 5-2.

"When Pele scored Brazil's fifth goal, to be honest, I couldn't do anything. I want to give a round of applause to him, "said Swedish national team defender Sigvard Parling. Meanwhile, Just Fontaine who became the top scorer said, "When I saw him playing, I wanted to immediately retire from the world of football."

In the next issue, Pele is unable to say much. The reason is, he suffered an injury in the party against Czechoslovakia. Coach Aymore Morreira also installed Amarildo to replace him for the remainder of the tournament. Brazil won, but Pele did not enjoy that success.

The bitter experience in Chile in 1962 was again experienced at the 1966 World Cup. The loud attack of the opposing players made Perola Negra feel like he was on the battlefield. He was frustrated. Once Selecao's gait was over, he made a shocking decision.

"I will no longer play in the World Cup. If soccer means war, I will hang my shoes and forget that I played! ” Pele said in front of the journalists in the dressing room. On that day, July 19, 1966, Pele was only 25 years old.

Plenary with the Best Team

In the end, after being persuaded desperately, Pele changed his mind. He returned to compete in the 1970 World Cup with a team that is often referred to as the best team of all time. They appear compact, inhabited by many special talents, and powerful.

At the 1970 World Cup, Selecao was no longer reinforced by some of its legendary players. Garrincha, Nilson Santos, Valdir Perreira, Djalma Santos and Gilmar have retired from international football. Their position was replaced by Jairzinho, Rivelino, Gerson, Tostao, Clodoaldo and Carlos Alberto Torres. Pele became one of the senior names brought by coach Mario Zagallo to Mexico.

In Mexico, Mario Zagallo put in a formation with five attackers. They are Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, Rivelino and of course, Pele. All five were central figures in the Selecao squad at the time.

The beautiful game they showed brought Brazil to score 19 goals in six matches. Pele himself has a share in 14 of the 19 goals scored by Mario Zagallo's squad.

"Pele is the player with the most complete ability I have ever fought. He has excellent ability with both legs, is able to head the ball well, and can pass opponents easily. Although not very high, his game made him a giant on the pitch, "said England captain Bobby Moore, who was one of Pele's opponents at the 1970 World Cup.

In the final against Italy, Pele was able to show a brilliant performance. In addition to scoring one goal, dangerous movements are also able to trouble the Italian national team back line.

"Before the match, I was sure I could beat him. I said that "Pele is made from the same bones and flesh as other humans." Apparently, I was wrong, "said the Italian defender who escorted Pele in the final, Tarcisio Burgnich.

"Me and him both jumped to fight over the ball in the air. I feel confident because I have a height advantage. When I landed, I was surprised by it. Pele when it was still in the air and won the ball. "At that moment, I was convinced that he was no ordinary human," said another Italian defender, Giacinto Facchetti.

At the end of the tournament, Pele was awarded the title of best player. In addition, he also became the player with the most collection of World Cup titles in history. Until now, there is no figure who can break or even match the record.

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