By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor
Soccer fans worldwide are being kept on their toes with current events. Not long ago, the nerve-racking and exciting FIFA World Cup 2022 came to an end with great success for Argentina. However, shortly after, devastating news shocked the soccer world.
Pelé, the well-known nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, died on Dec. 29 due to multiple organ failures, a complication of colon cancer. The King (O Rei), another nickname for him, died at the age of 82. He was treated at the Albert Einstein Hospital in his native country Brazil, and, as a reaction to his death, Brazil has ordered a three-day period of national mourning.
Starting young, Pelé played at age 15 for Santos, a Brazilian soccer club, and at age 16 for the Brazilian national team. In 1958, the only 17-year-old Pelé made soccer history as the youngest World Cup champion. During the FIFA World Cup in Sweden, he was able to shoot six goals and impressed soccer fans and players alike with his skills at this young age. With the “Seleção,” which is the nickname for the Brazilian national soccer team, Pelé won three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970) and is the only player who has accomplished this so far.
“Pelé was successful because he played with creativity. He had a unique style of play that has inspired many soccer players today,” said Erik Holmen, a freshman majoring in business who plays for the Saint Leo University Men’s Soccer team.
The King scored 1,283 goals in professional matches during his 21-year-long career, and is the joint top goal-scorer for Brazil, together with Neymar de Silva Santos Jr., with 77 goals in 92 games.
“Pelé was an iconic footballer who paved the way for the sport’s growth. He was an unbelievable talent who scored many goals,” said Alex Mollinedo, a senior majoring in computer science who plays for the Saint Leo Men’s Soccer team.
Next to other awards and accomplishments, Pelé has been named FIFA Player of the Century and was one of the most popular and successful athletes of the 1900’s. In addition, he was one of the best-paid athletes of his time.
“Pelé’s success came from hard work and dedication to the sport, which allowed him to pair that with his talent and create the legend we know today,” said Mollinedo.
Pelé has made a name for himself not only because of his impressive soccer success, but also due to other accomplishments and character traits.
“He was one of the best World Cup players of all time! He has always been supportive of the younger generation and has been a great influence for up-and-coming soccer players,” said Enzo Barbaglia, a freshman majoring in economics, who plays for the Saint Leo Men’s Golf team and is a huge soccer fan.
Pelé believed in the power of soccer to connect people from all origins, whether poor or rich. In 1994, Pelé was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and starred in documentary films, composed music, and published multiple autobiographies. His firm belief was that love is the solution and cure for all problems. Brazilians admired him for supporting movements to improve the social conditions of the poor, and the record-breaking soccer player is a true inspiration as a Black sporting star.
“I think his talent on the field combined with his humility make him a great role model for aspiring athletes,” said Holmen.
Not only were soccer fans mourning his death through tributes on social media platforms or on the street, but well-known soccer stars also shared words of condolence for Pelé and his family, including Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the recent FIFA World Cup Champion Lionel Messi. Even though Pelé is not a physical part of this world anymore, his name and his accomplishments will be well remembered for a long time.
