There is a football game in the heavens right now. Pele left the solid bounds of the earth and ascended into the ecclesiastical world where games are played with a melodious chorus of cymbals, tapestries and praises. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele refined the world of football, and FIFA anointed him “the greatest”.
Pele, a verb, and a noun., uniquely, was a Santos 15-year old footballer who rose to the pinnacle, and became the most popular sports personality of the 20th century. He owns all the main records as the unrivaled goalscorer and playmaker of the century.
The king, as he was nicknamed, electrified the fans with spectacular goals, and gave the world the immortal phrase – the beautiful game. Though I did not watch him during his active play days, watching YouTube, one could see a visionary forward who provided more assists than goals in the net.
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Yet, besides those dribbles and goals, Pele scored a SPECIAL goal: he provided a platform for black Brazilians to #believe. He inspired a generation when he lifted the 1958 World Cup, opening opportunities, with flowing streams that have fertilized football farmlands which produced Afro-Brazilian legends like Ronaldo (#9), Ronaldinho, Romario, and more.
The Pele of Brazil. The Martin Luther Jr of America. Men, who through different paths, restored the dignity of humans, through uncommon and extraordinary talent, making it clear that all men (and women), irrespective of color, can reach the highest heights. Pele was 82!
- I am Sausa, ex-Football & Sports Strategist
- Secondary Technical School Ovim Abia State
LinkedIn News Feature
LinkedIn News selected and featured my “eulogy” on King Pele, the generation’s finest footballer and playmaker of the 20th century. https://lnkd.in/eVnSGH6N
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