God of Football

"How do you spell Pelé?" the Times of London once declared. "G-O-D."

Growing up in the football scene, I would always hear about Pele and see his most iconic pictures that I will be sharing here with you. I started researching more about him and watching documentaries, movies, everything about him, and I concluded that the hype is real. He refined football like no other player.

Pele’s chilena or bycicle kick, one of the most iconic goals a football player can make and a type of goal Pele glamorized.

Unfortunately, I could not live through this footballer's era, but with all the footage and documentaries left in his name, I got a glimpse of his reign as king—the king of football. Whenever I watch Pele get the ball, I get goosebumps and score a goal and see the crowd go crazy. 

A question that is asked in every football era is "who is the goat" "who is the best player of all time," Personally, it has to be Pele. Pele has done and accomplished many titles that no other player has achieved. The only player to win three world cup trophies, and his first one is 17, making him the youngest ever to win a world cup. 1,282 goals in 1,363 games! I mean, that is so insane to even think about. To think that a little boy that could not afford a ball or cleats became the greatest footballer of all time. 

Before Pele, Brazil's history in football and reputation as a whole was zero; It was nonexistent. Brazilians thought they were a bunch of nobodies. They were not respected, not even within themselves. They had the 'homeless dog' mentality, which meant they had low self-esteem and no confidence ever to think big. 

Brazil hosted a world cup, and it was time for Brazil vs. Uruguay match. This was the chance to rewrite history. I believe it was 1950 at this point, and all eyes were on Brazil. The Brazilians wanted their own to win it, especially being at home. Unfortunately, things did not go that way. They ended up losing against Uruguay 2-1, and everyone was so upset. I could imagine the disappointment; seeing your country lose a world cup game is probably one of the most brutal losses a football fan can experience. Pele himself was crying so much but told his dad that he would win a world cup for this country one day. 

As promised, he did it. He won three world cups. Not only did he bring back trophies to his country, but he gave Brazil a spotlight. The big teams were England, Sweden, and you know the European teams were the ones who had the spotlight. He gave Brazil the top dog reputation and not the homeless dog reputation that they once were. He made history in football but also for his country. 

You mentioned Brazil; they were immediately linked to Pele. Pele was the player in his times and the best player of all time. This is what made Brazilians so proud to be from where they were from. Pele was their national treasure and pride. Little boys who looked just like him were finally inspired by someone they wanted to be like and could be like. The good teams in those times and players were huge white dudes, but Brazil changed the game, Pele changed the game for everyone. He gave hope, happiness, and a platform for Brazil to rise and be victorious. 

He changed things for his own country and the history of football. It is insane to think about that before Pele; there was a weak Brazil and a noncredited Brazil because growing up, Brazil was always a top dog, one of the best national teams of all time. Someone had to change the route for a national team, and Brazil was blessed with Pele, and so was the rest of the football world. 

Thank you to Pele for being himself in the game and proving that you can become significant no matter where you come from. I do not doubt in mind that he is the greatest footballer of all time—the true GOAT. 

The God of Football

I wonder who will accomplish more than he has; I guess we will have to wait and see.