Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as the greatest footballer that ever lived, Pele, passed away on 29 Dec 2022 at the age of 82. He won every competition there is to win at club and world level. He played professional football at the age of 16 and debuted for Brazil at 17. He would go on to play 1363 senior games and score 1279 goals in a career spanning almost two decades, winning three World Cups

Pele was born in Tres Coracoes and grew up in Bauru, dead poor. He received no formal football coaching and simply played football whenever he could. What little footballing advice he received was from his father, who was also a footballer whose career was cut short by injury. This makes his ascent even more astounding.

Three quarters of this book is about Pele's time as a kid and his rise as a footballer culminating in his final game with the New York Cosmos, winning the Soccer Bowl title.

The last quarter of the book is on his post football career, including becoming a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, the Sports Minister, a Commentator, a Movie Star and philanthropic work. There are also elements on his personal life.

As in most autobiographies, there are areas which one could question, including his infidelities, but he does come across in this book as human. And a lot of what he says is relatable. I found myself watching many world cup clips, especially from the 1970 World Cup. He was a great player.

A book for football fans. Readable.