Pelé: King of Soccer
BY RAFAEL RAMOS VILLAGRANA

who is he... Soccer World Cup: test your knowledge

He is about to turn 62 and his life has not changed. He is regarded by many as an example of youthful and healthy spirit; a legend of the world of sports.

Since 1995 he has served as Minister of Sports in Brazil. In that capacity, he has proposed several laws to protect professional soccer players and athletes in general. He continues to be involved with charities and social humanitarian causes around the world.

Pelé is a world soccer legend, the athlete of the century, the adoptive son of many countries, and a citizen without borders. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or Pelé as he was re-baptized by his fans, is the perfect King.

Having played his first World Cup in Sweden at age 17, Pelé has been awarded great recognition by the world of soccer. He has also been recognized by his humanitarian approach to life. A brilliant businessman, Pelé is well known as a philanthropist. He is generous with his own money, which he gives, above all, to organizations that help children around the world, social services in Brazil and to his own friends in need. He also participates in many charity fundraisers to benefit charity causes.

“I can still enjoy playing soccer, playing the guitar and singing, spending time with my children, and making love to my wife.”

In a recent interview in Rio de Janeiro, Pelé said that at his age, he is in the prime of his life: “I can still enjoy playing soccer, playing the guitar and singing, spending time with my children, and making love to my wife.”

Pelé feels more energetic than ever. He attributes his impressive physical and mental capacities to exercise, love, and a lack of addictions: “It is never too early or too late to start excising,” he says.

The memories of his first youth are a contributing factor to maintaining his spirit. One of the events that bring back the fondest memories, not only for Pelé, but also for an entire generation of soccer players, is the World Cup of 1970 in Guadalajara, Mexico. With players like Tostao, Rivelino, Zagallo, Clodoaldo, Jairzinho, among others, Pelé was part of a select team, never again replicated. Ney Blanco de Oliveira, Pelé’s personal agent in Mexico, and his friend for more than 40 years, describes him affectionately: “Edson (he never calls him Pelé) is not only the greatest soccer player the world will ever know, but he is also one of the most sensitive, generous and noble human beings that I have ever known."

Ney Blanco remembers how, in the '70s, Santos, the team that Pelé had played for his entire life, toured Africa. “The itinerary included Nigeria and the country was at war. There was a cease-fire for a few days because everyone wanted to see Pelé.”

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