主播大秀

From poverty to football glory, Pelé brought beauty to the beautiful game and as the first black global football superstar was an inspiration around the world.

1. He had to battle before he’d even got on the pitch

Pelé managed to achieve footballing greatness despite enduring the poverty that blighted large swathes of Brazil’s population. Pelé was so poor that his family couldn’t afford a football: he had to use a stuffed sock. Nonetheless the striker’s natural talent shone through and he was signed by Brazilian team Santos aged 15. A year later he was picked for the national side. A team medical subsequently revealed the squad – Pelé included – was beset by a catalogue of diseases and long-term malnutrition.

2. He was not overawed by the world

The footballer burst onto the world stage in 1958 when Brazil qualified for the World Cup. Just 17, he ran rings around seasoned veterans. The quality of his play and goal tally took him to the first of three World Cup wins with the team in yellow.

3. He brought beauty to the beautiful game

Pelé’s free-flowing style and obvious enthusiasm for the sport filled those who watched him with joy. His success at the highest levels helped coin the term ‘the beautiful game.’ But his legacy is bigger than the cups and medals he won. Pelé proved that anyone, no matter what their background could make it in sport if they had the talent and determination to succeed.