World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Pele was paid huge $120,000 just to tie his laces at 1970 World Cup due to furious Adidas-Puma row

      by

      THE LEGENDARY Pele was paid a whopping $120,000 to tie his laces at the 1970 World Cup amid a bitter row between Adidas and Puma.The world of football is in mourning after it was announced yesterday that the Pele had passed away aged 82 in his homeland.
      Pele once earned $120,000 in a crafty marketing move by Puma, whose boots he has on hereCredit: Rex
      He got the huge sum for tying his boot laces at the start of the 1970 World Cup quarter-finalCredit: YouTube
      The icon, who will be laid to rest in a “virtual cemetery”, had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
      However on Thursday evening the news broke that the greatest player in history has sadly passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of his cancer.
      Nicknamed The King, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.
      His amazing haul of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which included friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.
      READ MORE ON PELE
      He also scored a remarkable 77 goals in 92 games for the national team – a record equalled by Neymar at the recent World Cup.
      The current Brazilian No.10 has led the huge outpouring of tributes to the late, great superstar along with modern day greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      And since then a host of heartwarming, glorious and magical stories have been revealed about Pele’s incredible career.
      Now footage of a remarkable incident from the World Cup quarter-final against Peru in 1970 has resurfaced which shows the ex-forward bending down to tie his shoelaces after being paid $120,000 – worth around £50,000 in 1970 exchange rates – by boot manufacturers Puma.
      Most read in Football
      Brothers Adolf and Rudolf Dassler went into the shoe manufacturing business together in the 1920s but a bitter family feud led to them going their separate ways in the 1940s.
      That led Adolf to create Adidas and Rudolf to set up Puma as the siblings battled to secure top names to market their brands.
      Pele had already shot to stardom after winning the 1958 World Cup and it was decided by the brothers that he would be too expensive to sign up for endorsements, an agreement that was dubbed the “Pele Pact”.
      But that all changed in 1970 when Puma offered the Brazilian $120,000 to wear their boots – as long as he asked the referee for some time to bend down and tie his laces before kick-off.
      They even went as far as to pay the cameraman to zoom in as Pele carried out the act.

      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      Adolf Dassler and Adidas were left furious at Puma’s antics – although his brother will hardly have cared as he went on to register record annual sales.
      And Pele, with his nice earner too hand, went on to fire Brazil to World Cup glory again for a third time.
      Pele made his debut for his local team Santos aged just 15 and won his first cap for the Brazil national team at 16. 
      He won the World Cup in 1958 aged just 17, and then won it again in 1962 and 1970.

      The South American superstar racked up 643 goals in 659 appearances for club side Santos across his 18-year spell.
      He also played for the New York Cosmos and retired in 1977, in an exhibition match between the Cosmos and Santos. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi and Wag Antonela enjoy another party to celebrate Argentina’s World Cup triumph as PSG edge win without him

      by

      LIONEL MESSI enjoyed his latest party as he continues his post-World Cup break.The Argentine hero is in hometown Rosario still basking in his glory.
      Lionel Messi and wife Antonela pose with his parents Celia and JorgeCredit: Instagram / @jorge.sole
      Celia and Jorge pose with Angel Di Maria and his wife Jorgelina CardosoCredit: Instagram / @jorge.sole
      Messi’s parents pose with Leandro Paredes and wife Camila GalanteCredit: Instagram / @jorge.sole
      Messi’s club Paris Saint-Germain returned to action this week, but the 35-year-old is still on an extended break.
      He initially travelled to Buenos Aires from Qatar with his team-mates immediately after their triumph, before heading to Rosario a day later.
      The attacker has been spending plenty of time with wife Antonela, as well as parents Jorge and Celia.
      All were present as Messi hosted another post-World Cup bash last night.
      Read More Football Stories
      Many of his team-mates have now returned to their clubs, including penalty shoot-out hero Emi Martinez.
      But others were at Messi’s bash, including his former PSG pals Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes.
      Di Maria, 34, and wife Jorgelina Cardoso posed with Messi’s parents for a snap together.
      While Paredes attended with wife Camila Galante.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Ex-Liverpool ace Maxi Rodriguez was in attendanceCredit: Instagram / @jorge.sole
      The party took place in Messi’s hometown RosarioCredit: Instagram / @jorge.sole
      Former Argentina stars Maxi Rodriguez and Javier Mascherano are also said to have been in attendance.
      Di Maria and Paredes are set to return to Juventus on January 2.
      While Messi is due back in Paris on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
      Christophe Galtier’s side were back in action without him on Wednesday night against Strasbourg at Parc des Princes.
      While Messi was missing, fellow World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe was back and in the starting XI.
      The match began in straightforward enough fashion, with Marquinhos heading home a 14th minute set piece to give his side the lead.
      He went from hero to villain in the second-half, however, when he deflected Ludovic Ajorque’s cross beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma and into his own net for the visitors’ shock equaliser.
      PSG were given another scare just after the hour mark, when Neymar was sent off for a second yellow card after a theatrical dive.

      They managed to find a winner deep into stoppage time, however, when Mbappe tucked away a 96th minute penalty after being fouled in the box.
      The win saw PSG move seven points clear of second-place Lens at the top of the Ligue 1 table, with a trip to face their title rivals scheduled for Sunday.
      Kylian Mbappe bailed PSG out against StrasbourgCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Salt Bae slammed for ‘lifting World Cup without playing a match’ after sharing another unrecognisable throwback photo

      by

      FAME hungry Salt Bae has been slammed for “lifting the World Cup without playing a match” after sharing another throwback photo. The celebrity chef has been under fire ever since he was accused of hijacking Argentina’s celebrations at the World Cup.
      Salt Bae touched the £17m 18-carat World Cup trophy breaking FIFA etiquetteCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae shared a throwback photo from his childhoodCredit: Instagram
      He shared a throwback photo from his childhood days looking unrecognisable without his trademark sunglasses and slicked-back ponytail.
      The Turkish social media star – real name Nusret Gökçe – uploaded the snap to his Instagram.
      The chef was pictured looking fresh-faced as a young boy without his signature props to hide behind.
      Gökçe simply captioned the photo: “No salt no life.”
      Read more on Salt Bae
      But Salt Bae’s World Cup antics have sparked relentless trolling from his followers – even on unrelated social media posts.
      He faced a storm of criticism after badgering Lionel Messi and grabbing the trophy from Argentina players after the final.
      One commented on the throwback picture: “Grew up to lift the World Cup without playing a match, legend.”
      Another said: “No salt, better life, and do not get back to the World Cups.”
      Most read in Football
      A third wrote: “The face you make when you need to ask Messi three times for a picture and he finally gives in to get you away from him.”
      A fourth commented: “Next time don’t touch the World Cup and you won’t be banned.”
      It comes after he was accused of chatting on his AirPods while serving customers a steak that cost them £500.
      Gökçe was seen with his AirPods in as he carves up a steak tableside with his trademark swagger.
      But an angry customer took to TikTok to complain – rating the internet star’s restaurant a dismal 1.7 out of 10.
      Ehtisham Aziz shared the video – saying he paid £500 to have the musclebound butcher carve up his steak at his restaurant Nusr-Et in Doha, Qatar.
      But he was left unimpressed when Salt Bae appeared disinterested as he seemed to be chatting to someone via his AirPods.
      During the final in Qatar, footage showed the chef pestering the Argentina squad as they celebrated their World Cup glory with their families after the tense shootout.
      In a series of videos posted on his own Instagram, he interrupted the likes of Angel di Maria, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as they posed with the World Cup trophy, leaving the trio looking awkward.
      He was seen grabbing hold of Lionel Messi by the shoulder at least twice as the baffled megastar tried to shrug him off.
      His persistence paid off as he finally got a selfie with the striker, hailed the greatest of all time.
      The chef was also seen forcing himself into lineups with other stars as they clutched the famous golden trophy.
      He has now been barred from attending The US Open Cup, the equivalent of England’s FA Cup.
      Action will be taken against staff who allowed him access after social media footage showed his cringeworthy exchanges with players, who did their best to avoid Salt Bae.
      Fifa is conducting an internal investigation to see how the chef got onto the pitch.
      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino even unfollowed Salt Bae in the wake of his shameful antics.
      The Turkish cook has courted a years-long friendship with Fifa president Infantino.
      They have been pictured together several times, and the football chief has been gushing in his praise for the flamboyant Instagram star.

      However the bromance seems to be over after he unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pele made all of us want to be Brazilian for a month every four years, he was the complete footballer, says Tim Vickery

      by

      PELE’S last lucid days were spent while the World Cup was taking place – which was entirely fitting.  With so many connected to the game gathered in one place, football could send out a message of love and respect to Pele – the man who did more than anyone else to turn the World Cup into the most gripping sporting event on the planet.
      Pele died after a battle with colon cancerCredit: AFP
      Born just 52 years after Brazil abolished slavery, Pele became the undisputed king of the global game – a tribute both to the democratic nature of the sport and to his own extraordinary talent and drive. 
      He was a machine for playing football, possessed of every technical, tactical and psychological virtue.
      Right foot, left foot, headers, acceleration and sustained pace, close control, vision and awareness, strength and impulse, imagination and daring plus huge doses of the great twin motivating factors, pride and fear – Pele had the complete package. 
      Watching him at his best is like time travel, as if a modern day player, with all the benefits of contemporary physical preparation, had been transported back to show the oldies how it’s done.
      read more on pele
      Pele holds up the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970 – the third time he managed to lift the World CupCredit: Rex
      Pele made us all want to be Brazilian for a month every four yearsCredit: Rex
      His fame catapulted Pele to global icon statusCredit: Rex
      All of this made him a global icon long before football had gone through the globalising process. 
      He is without doubt the greatest diplomat that Brazil has ever produced. 
      Pele made all of us want to be Brazilian for a month every four years. 
      We all wanted to win, to win in style and to win in style with that easy going smile.
      Most read in Football
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      The story takes shape when a nine year old Pele is shocked to see his father in tears as he listens to the radio. 
      Brazil, still wearing white, let the final of the 1950 World Cup slip and lose 2-1 to Uruguay. 
      The child promises his father that he will put things right. 
      Twenty years later, after overcoming Uruguay in the semi final, Brazil beat Italy 4-1 to win the World Cup for the third time. 
      Mission accomplished.
      Pele wheels away after downing Italy in 1970Credit: Rex
      As an ambassador for the beautiful game – Pele will be sorely missedCredit: EPA More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Brazil legend Pele, the most divine of footballers, learned to play with a sock stuffed with paper

      by

      IN brilliant, Brazilian yellow on new-fangled colour TV sets, Pele appeared to have descended from footballing heaven.It was the 1970 World Cup and with balletic poise, devastating pace and clinical skill he defined what the Beautiful Game could be.
      Pele, who has died aged 82, will be remembered for Brazil’s triumph at the 1970 World CupCredit: Getty
      Pele ended up winning a total of three World Cup trophiesCredit: Instagram
      Pele learned to play football with a sock stuffed with newspaper after being born into poverty (pictured aged 17)Credit: Avalon.red
      For Pelé, it was never enough just to win, he had to entertain too.
      It’s all there on YouTube – the mazy dribbles, the cannonball shots and that elegant dummy sold to Uruguay’s keeper.
      He learned to play football with a sock stuffed with newspaper after being born into poverty
      Aged 17, he then became a global superstar after helping Brazil lift its first World Cup in 1958.
      read more on pele
      Now – in the searing heat of Mexico 1970 – Pele was in his pomp, playing for a team regarded by many as the greatest ever.
      Brazil’s second match saw them face holders England, with temperatures nudging 37C in Guadalajara.
      On ten minutes, Jairzinho crossed for Pelé whose powerful downward header was miraculously palmed away by Gordon Banks.
      The greatest-ever player thwarted by the greatest-ever save.
      Most read in Football
      Pele would later reflect: “I have scored more than a thousand goals in my life and the thing people always talk to me about is the one I didn’t score.”
      Brazil won 1-0 despite an imperious defensive display by Bobby Moore, including an epic tackle on Jairzinho in the box.
      Brazil manager Mário Zagallo said: “The England match was our toughest test. That was the real final.”
      At the final whistle, Pele and Moore embraced like two battered prize fighters and swapped shirts.
      Pelé would later say: “He was my friend as well as the greatest defender I ever played against.
      In the final Brazil hammered Italy 4-1. Tarcisio Burgnich, who marked Pele, recalled: “I told myself before the game, ‘He’s made of skin and bones just like everyone else’.
      “But I was wrong.”
      Pele opened the scoring with a sublime header and his unforgettable killer pass to a rampaging Alberto capped off the victory.
      Alberto would later say: “Playing with Pele felt like you had God on your side.”
      He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento – in subtropical Três Corações in 1940.
      A young Pele playing for Santos FC where he scored on his debut aged 15 in 1956Credit: Avalon.red
      Pele scoring in the 1970 World Cup FinalCredit: Rex
      He was named after US inventor Thomas Edison because his town had just been connected to the electricity mains.
      The eldest of three children, his father João Ramos do Nascimento, was a footballer whose career was cut short by injury, plunging the family into poverty.
      He later recalled the “constant anxiety” of where his next meal would come from.
      Pele wrote: “That fear, once it enters your bones, it’s like a chill that never leaves you.”
      He played football in the street with a sock stuffed with newspaper or a watermelon.
      Later his father would teach him how to use both feet and to head properly.
      Like all Brazilian footballers, there had to be a nickname.
      As a child, his favourite player was goalkeeper Bilé who he mispronounced as Pele. It stuck.
      Scouted by giants Santos FC, he scored on his debut aged 15 in 1956.
      The following year he was called up for the national team – scoring in a 2–1 loss to Argentina
      In 1958 Pele inspired Brazil to World Cup glory in Sweden with six goals. Some locals had never met a black man.
      He recalled: “This Swedish girl kept rubbing my skin to see if it’d come off.”
      In the 1962 World Cup he scored in the opening game but later limped out of the tournament, which Brazil won.
      Four years later in England he was fouled repeatedly and got injured again.
      A year after the 1970 triumph he retired from internationals as the original GOAT, greatest of all time.
      He would win six league titles with Santos plus two Copa Libertadores – the equivalent of the Champions League.
      In 1975 he joined New York Cosmos before hanging up his boots two years later.
      Mick Jagger said: “Everybody wanted to shake his hand, to get a photo with him.
      “Saying you had partied with Pele was the biggest badge of honour going.”
      His personal life was complicated.
      Pele said he was “too young” when he married Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi in 1966.
      The couple had daughters, Kelly and Jennifer, and son Edinho, before divorce in 1982.
      The legend celebrates Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winCredit: Getty
      The ace lifts the World Cup trophy in 1970Credit: Alamy
      The last picture of Pele as he hugs daughter Kelly Nascimento on his hospital bedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/iamkelynascimento/
      In total, he has seven known offspring, including Sandra Machado who he refused to acknowledge.
      Sandra, who died from ­cancer in 2006, was the result of a romance with housemaid Anisia Machado.
      An affair in 1968 with journalist Lenita Kurtz produced daughter Flavia, 52.
      In 1994 he married psychologist Assíria Lemos Seixas, who gave birth to twins Joshua and Celeste in 1996. The couple divorced in 2008.
      Then in 2016, aged 75, he married “definitive love” businesswoman Marcia Cibele Aoki, 50.
      After he quit playing, Pele became a UNESCO Ambassador and later Brazilian Sports Minister and also earned a fortune through ad deals – including Viagra.
      He had long been dogged by health ­problems and last year had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon.

      But he was immortalised in canvas by pop artist Andy Warhol, who said “Pele was one of the few who contradicted my theory.
      “Instead of 15 minutes of fame, he will have 15 centuries.”
      Pele in hospital with daughter Kelly
      Pele hugs fellow sporting legend Muhammad AliCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Pele and Argentina legend MaradonaCredit: Splash
      Pele and Portugal’s Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Pele and Bobby Moore swapping shirts at Mexico 70 is one of game’s most iconic images and great moment of sportsmanship

      by

      THE iconic image of Pele and England’s Bobby Moore swapping shirts at Mexico 70 is one of the game’s greatest moments of sportsmanship.The two legends had just battled it out in the ‘Clash of the Champions’ in Guadalajara, with 1958 and 1962 winners Brazil edging holders England 1-0 in one of the all-time World Cup classics.
      This picture of Pele and Bobby Moore embracing at the 1970 World Cup has become an iconic imageCredit: Getty
      Moore and Pele, whose mutual respect on the pitch turned into a lifelong friendship, told each other they would meet again the final.
      It was not to be, as the Three Lions crashed out against West Germany in the quarter-finals.
      The Brazilian superstar recognised England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain as one of the great defenders — although he enjoyed a 100 per cent record against him in their three international meetings.
      Pele – who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 – learned to play as a boy in Sao Paulo by using grapefruits or socks stuffed with paper as a makeshift ball.
      READ MORE ON PELE
      And after Brazil smashed Alf Ramsey’s team 5-1 in Rio de Janeiro in 1964, Moore gave an insight into his rival’s unique skills.
      Moore said: “You go into the tackle, you make contact. You think you’ve got him or the ball — or both — and then you find you haven’t got either.
      “I know it sounds impossible but I swear Pele deliberately flicked the ball against my shins then picked it up on the bounce as he ran past.
      “Again and again, I felt sure I had him in a tackle — again and again, he seemed to get the luck of the bounce and beat me.
      Most read in Football
      Moore, left, and Pele, right, lined up together with captain Gerry Francis for Team USACredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Pele and Brazil went on to lift the World Cup in 1970 as England went out in the quartersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      “Once might have been an accident — but he kept on doing it.”
      Pele’s Brazil went on to get the better of Moore in a 1969 Rio friendly and at Mexico 70.
      Remarkably, in 1976, the two friends would go on to line up in the SAME ‘international’ team.
      The pair played for Team USA, made up of NASL stars, in a tournament with England, Brazil and Italy. Pele refused to face his homeland. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He turned football into art’ – Footballing world pays tribute to Brazil icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      by

      NEYMAR led the tributes to ‘king’ Pele and declared: “He turned football into art.”Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known across the globe as Pele, passed away in his homeland on Thursday at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.
      Tributes have flooded after news of Pele’s death broke around the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lionel Messi was among the football stars that paid tribute to Pele
      The Brazil great – regarded by many as the greatest football of all time – had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
      And football stars and legends took to social media to pay their respects to the Santos icon and reached out to his family.
      Current Brazil superstar Neymar wrote: “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.
      “But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.
      Read More on Football
      “He gave voice to the poor, to the black community and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.
      “Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”
      England legend Gary Lineker tweeted: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men.
      “He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt.
      Most read in Football
      “He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      Lionel Messi – whose own recent World Cup win with Argentina has seen him join Pele in the upper echelons of the game’s all-time list – said: “Rest in peace.”
      While Manchester United and Real Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo posted: “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
      “A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.
      “An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance.
      Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Pele on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      Wayne Rooney also paid tribute to Pele with this photoCredit: Instagram
      Brazil superstar Neymar sang Pele’s praises with a touching postCredit: Instagram: Neymar Jr
      “He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele.”
      The official England Twitter account posted a picture of Pele exchanging shirts with Bobby Moore after their meeting at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
      “One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game,” read the tweet. “Farewell, Pele. You will never be forgotten.”
      And England’s 1966 here Sir Geoff Hurst tweeted: “I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside).
      “For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.”
      The next generation of global striking superstars were also quick to post their tributes.
      Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
      While Manchester City strike sensation Erling Haaland wrote: “Everything you see any player doing, Pele did it first. RIP.”
      England and United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney wrote: “Rest in peace Pele. Legend.”
      United great Rio Ferdinand said: “The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
      Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe paid his respects after Pele’s deathCredit: Instagram

      “I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon.”
      Cafu posted: “He will never be forgotten.”
      Liverpool icon Ian Rush wrote: “A very sad day for football.
      “An icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever.
      “Rest in peace, Pele. My thoughts are with his family.”
      I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you. pic.twitter.com/oCpQlw7EIK— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 29, 2022

      Fans from around the world also took to social media to express their condolences.
      This supporter tweeted: “One of the GOATs just died. RIP Pele.”

      Another fan posted: “The football world has lost a legend. Rest in peace Pele.”
      A third commented: “The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions.” More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Pele won THREE World Cup winner’s medals – no player in the history of football can match that

      by

      NO player in the history of the World Cup can match Pele’s record of THREE winner’s medals.But his highs were matched by painful lows in a rollercoaster ride spanning 12 years.
      Pele and Jairzinho celebrate winning the 1970 World CupCredit: Rex
      A 17-year-old Pele with the Jules Rimet trophy in 1958Credit: Paris Match – Getty
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      The Pele World Cup story began in fairytale style in 1958 as Brazil won the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time.
      The 17-year-old rookie, who had never travelled by plane before, thought his selection for the trip to Sweden was a MISTAKE.
      But he became the youngest player ever at a World Cup and, after missing the first two games with a knee injury, scored six goals in four appearances.
      His haul included a semi-final treble against France and two in the final against the hosts.
      READ MORE PELE NEWS
      The wonderkid sobbed on the King of Sweden’s shoulder during the post-match celebrations.
      His next two World Cups, though, would be anything but a fairytale.
      He did add a second winner’s medal in Chile in 1962 but was injured in the second game, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
      Yet he played his part by helping his inexperienced replacement.
      Most read in Football
      After scoring twice in the decisive group victory over Spain, Amarildo said: “I felt a bit daunted at the responsibility of replacing Pele — but he encouraged me in a gesture I will never forget.
      “He told me, ‘In 1958, I started as a reserve but came into the team and kept my place as we became champions. Now it is your time.’”
      Pele – who passed away on Thursday aged 82 – hoped to make it a hat-trick of triumphs four years later in England but the campaign turned into a disaster as Brazil went out at the group stage.
      The Santos superstar scored a brilliant free-kick in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Bulgaria.
      Pele got his hands on the World Cup in 1962 despite being injured for the finalCredit: Empics

      He then endured some brutal treatment and a knee injury ruled him out of the next game  — a shock defeat by Hungary.
      Pele was passed fit for the crunch game against Portugal but a savage foul by Joao Morais meant he was a passenger for much of Brazil’s decisive 3-1 defeat.
      Pele, disgusted at his treatment and a lack of protection from refs, announced he would not play at another World Cup.
      He complained: “I’m not bitter in defeat, only that I haven’t been allowed to play football. Ideal football became impossible.”
      Regaining the world title was a real priority — particularly for the prestige of  Brazil’s military dictatorship.
      So the Samba king was persuaded to change his mind for Mexico 70.
      But he struggled for full fitness and form as the finals approached.
      Coach Joao Saldanha even planned to drop him — one of the main reasons he was sacked just ten weeks before the finals.
      I had an appointment with myself to win this trophy again. Now I’m done.Pele after 1970 World Cup win
      Pele revealed: “After one match in which I was booed, I cried when I got home. I had lost my football and I was worried.
      “When I was desperate to get things right, everything went wrong.”
      Mario Zagallo, Pele’s team-mate from the 1958 and 1962 finals, took charge and stood by him even after he missed TWO penalties in a  goalless draw against Bulgaria in one of Brazil’s final warm-up games before leaving for Mexico.
      Pele did not let Zagallo down, starring in all six games — and scoring four times to take his tally to 12 in 14 World Cup appearances.
      Now 29, Pele was at the peak of his powers and it was fitting he should score the opener in the 4-1 final victory over Italy.
      He confirmed it would be his last World Cup and said: “Even in 1958 I didn’t feel so happy.
      “I had an appointment with myself to win this trophy again. Now I’m done.

      “For me, this title has more value than all the others. In 1958, I was a boy without any pressure.
      “This one was different. If I lost, I would never be the same Pele.”
      Pele returned to complete the treble in 1970Credit: Alamy More