A magician who could weave magic with the foot, Pele is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have graced this beautiful sport. An undisputed monarch, Pele was the backbone of the Brazil football team during his playing days. His presence during the 1960s and 1970s sent shivers down the spines of the opposition players, especially defenders.
Even though Pele’s health has taken a major dip, we know he is a fighter and can fight all odds. As the world unitedly prays for his better health, we hope he eclipses all the dark moments and becomes fully fit.
After Brazil’s dominating 4-1 win over South Korea in the Round of 16 of the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup 2022, the players led by Neymar paid a tribute to the footballing maverick with a banner with the title ‘Pele!’.
In this article, we take a look at 3 reasons why Pele is the GOAT of the football-loving country Brazil:
1. Pele has 3 World Cups under his belt
Winning a FIFA World Cup is considered as the ultimate high of a footballer’s life. And Pele has won the elusive title on 3 occasions. The three titles came in 1958, 1962, and 1970 and the Brazilian striker was a supreme leader.
The 82-year-old legend has 12 goals under his belt in World Cups and is the only player to have won 3 FIFA World Cup titles.
2. Competition was a lot higher during Pele’s time
When Pele was playing football, the balls were quite heavy. Nowadays the balls are lighter and it is easier to score headers with them. Whenever the ball becomes light, it is easier to swerve the ball during free-kicks.
In spite of the ball is heavy, Pele ruled the roost with his footballing skills. Yellow cards and red cards came into mainstream football in 1970. Before that, the defenders could go berserk and injure the opposition players without much repercussions and actions.
3. Pele has netted 1281 goals
Pele sits atop the list of most goals by a footballer in professional football. Having netted 1281 goals in 1363 games, Pele was a goal-machine.
He scored goals for fun and was at the center stage whenever he donned the sport. He is also the highest goal-scorer in Brazil, having netted 77 goals in 92 matches.
Also read: ISL 2022-23 Match Week 12 Highlights: Most Goals, Assists, Shots On Target, Clean Sheets
