Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, the only player to win the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday.
Tributes from all corners of the globe have poured in across every media platform. Many will remember "The King" as the greatest soccer player of all-time and the face of the sport. While there are a handful of other names in the Greatest Of All Time discussion, his impact and influence is undeniable.
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
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Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.
Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
As his career is retold after his death, his playing days in the United States will also be revisited. Pelé joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League in 1975 and drew sellout crowds in stadiums across the country. His arrival stateside culminated in 1977 with a Soccer Bowl championship and a testimonial match against former club Santos FC, where the Brazilian split the match with the only two clubs for whom he played professionally.
The New York Cosmos Mourn the Loss of Legendary Peléhttps://t.co/l9OSG4aZx7
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) December 29, 2022
Though the NASL failed to survive, Pelé's U.S. adventure stands out as a milestone in the history of American soccer. He was a catalyst for American fans developing an interest in the sport and was recognized for it when he was elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993.
Throughout his post-playing days, the Brazilian icon remained an ambassador for the sport until his final days. He is remembered as the first to do it all and perhaps the best to ever do it.
| Major Trophies Won by Pelé: |
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Americans bid farewell to 'O Rei'
Soccer first came onto my radar when Pelé came to play for the NY Cosmos in the old NASL. I got some Puma cleats like his, got a soccer ball for Xmas, and bought a Pelé biography I my school class’s book order. He was amazing! pic.twitter.com/9VGiNCLazK
— Brian Townsend (@cashsavior) December 30, 2022
Every soccer kid in the NYC area in the late 70’s was inspired by Pelé when he joined the Cosmos. Our junior high coach played us his instructional videos. It was like watching Monet paint or Mozart compose at the piano. The game couldn’t ask for a better ambassador. RIP Pelé ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/RwSngznMib
— Rob Rivielle (@Rob_Rivielle) December 29, 2022
Tough to see the New York Cosmos trending in light of Pele’s passing. I grew up going to their branded soccer camps. Loved what they represented then and during the reboot. But the consistent mismanagement and, at times, overvaluation of the brand cost soccer a connective thread.
— Deny Gallagher (@deny_gallagher) December 30, 2022
I was fortunate enough to see him play vs the Quakes in SJ back in 76/77.
— RBO (@bvbman09) December 29, 2022
RIP el gran Pele. My childhood hero.
— Benny Agosto, Jr. (@bagostojr) December 29, 2022
The best one ever. I saw him play in San Juan. Cosmos v PR.
I met him and shook his hand in Houston. pic.twitter.com/hwARQph9Hd
RIP Pele. Lucky to have been able to watch him play in person 1976 for the NY Cosmos. At that point in the USA, Soccer was about as popular as professional lacrosse is today. My dad was a coach and our soccer fields were regularly vandalized by local kids.
— Dave Hendricks (@davehendricks) December 30, 2022
RIP Pele, the GOAT of futbol. There will never be another like him. I was lucky enough to see him in 1977 when he played with the NY Cosmos along with two other greats, Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer.
— Jeffrey Marshall (@Jeffrey63712424) December 30, 2022
Aside from my father, Pele’ was an idol of mine. I was extremely fortunate to meet him a few times as a kid as my father played against Pele’ when he played for the Cosmos. 😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/1UF3fMX1Kh
— Brad Crossley (@SRT634) December 29, 2022
I was in summer school -- Colgate University -- in June 1975 when Pele debuted for the Cosmos. It was Father's Day, but I took the bus back from home early so I could watch the game on TV. To my dismay, the Syracuse CBS station aired an old movie. Soccer was like that then.
— Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) December 29, 2022
Camp w/300 boys&4 girls there was a challenge put out&the winner would have the privilege of wearing Pelé’s game worn #10 jersey from the Cosmos. You better believe I won that right&wore it w/great pride&respect. He shaped my foundation of how as a player I could share the game
— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) December 29, 2022