Pelé’s last appearance with the New York Cosmos was a catalyst for a “sports revolution” throughout North America.

Pele had achieved three World Cup victories, countless goals, and international fame, but he still had more to accomplish. He then decided to move to the United States and played a role in revolutionizing the popularity of soccer in North America.

In 1975, the legendary Brazilian player was persuaded to end his retirement and join the New York Cosmos for three additional seasons.

Prior to joining the North American Soccer League (NASL), Pelé had retired from his professional career after playing 638 games for his childhood team Santos.

It seemed unlikely that Pelé would leave Santos to play for another team, but in the middle of the 1975 season, he signed a contract with the Cosmos for $1.67 million per year. This was a bold move, as soccer was not very popular in North America at the time.

Pele arrived, witnessed, and triumphed, and when he departed in 1977 as “The King,” he was a champion in the NASL and had played a key role in igniting a surge of interest in soccer.

“After his passing this week, the Cosmos stated that Pelé played a crucial role in revolutionizing the local scene of soccer during his three seasons with the team.”

“Where there were once baseball fields, there are now soccer fields as well.”

“The Cosmos and their leader not only sparked a sports revolution in America, but also journeyed across the globe to share the message of the Beautiful Game.”

In 1977, the Brazilian had a conversation with former US President Jimmy Carter at the White House.

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Even after nearly five decades, Pelé’s impact continues to be significant in both men’s and women’s soccer in North America.

His transfer to Cosmos opened doors for other notable players like Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer to also join the team. Although the NASL eventually ceased operations in 1984, it served as a model for the creation of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1993.

Famous players like David Beckham, Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have emulated Pelé’s example by contributing to the growth of the sport in North America through their participation in the MLS.

Pelé paved the way for other elite players to join the US soccer scene.

The sport of soccer has seen significant growth in the US, as evidenced by the impressive performance of the US National Men’s Team at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Scouts from across the world are now looking at North America to discover new talent, with the sport cemented into the fabric of society and being naturally passed down through generations.

In the 1970s, Pelé’s innate talent and contagious smile played a significant role in paving the way for early progress.

During Qatar 2022, CNN correspondent Don Riddell interviewed fans about Pelé, with one American individual stating that the soccer icon had a significant impact on his life.

Clifton Broumand shared with CNN that observing him play in 1975 marked the beginning of his exposure to professional games and has been a contributing factor to his attendance at 11 World Cups.

His skills and talent captivated me, drawing me to watch soccer and the World Cup.

Pelé hoists the NACL championship trophy as he claims victory in his final season in the United States.

Before Pelé joined Santos in 1975, the highest recorded attendance for a Cosmos match was just over 8,000 people.

According to the Society for American Soccer History, during his last and most victorious season in 1977, the average audience for home games was 42,689, with three instances of over 70,000 in attendance.

At the age of 34, Pelé joined the Cosmos and scored 37 goals in 64 NASL matches.

According to a statement from MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Pelé’s choice to showcase his skills with the New York Cosmos during the 1970s had a significant impact on the sport’s development in the United States.

Pelé’s impressive performance in the US and Canada captured the attention of fans, showcasing the immense impact and potential of the sport.

After Brazil’s victory over Italy in the 1970 World Cup final, Pelé was lifted off the field by enthusiastic fans.

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At the young age of 16, Pelé joined Brazil’s national team, less than a year after beginning his professional career with Santos in 1956.

In 1958, Pelé expressed his admiration for the Jules Rimet Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the World Cup.

Pelé scored the third goal for Brazil in the 1958 World Cup final against Sweden. This victory, with a final score of 5-2, marked Brazil’s first-ever World Cup win. In a later interview with CNN’s Don Riddell, Pelé stated, “When we won the World Cup, it made Brazil known to the world. I believe this was the most significant contribution I made to my country.”

Pele sheds tears of joy on his fellow Brazilian player, Gilmar, after their victory in the 1958 World Cup. Pele not only scored two goals in the final match, but also achieved a hat trick in the semifinals against France. In the quarterfinals against Wales, Pele was also responsible for scoring the team’s only goal.

After Santos became champions of the São Paulo state in 1961, Pelé donned a sash. He was a member of the club from 1956 to 1974 and during that time, he scored 618 goals and earned six Brazilian league titles. Santos also claimed victory in the Copa Libertadores, the top club competition in South America, in 1962 and 1963.

In 1961, Pelé is seen driving his car. He had a humble upbringing in Bauru, Brazil and developed his skills by playing without shoes using makeshift balls made of coconuts or socks.

In 1962, Pelé made a comeback to the World Cup with Brazil and played a key role in the team’s first victory against Mexico. However, he sustained an injury in the second match against Czechoslovakia and was unable to participate in the remaining games. Despite his absence, Brazil successfully defended their title.

In 1963, during a training break, Pelé can be seen sitting on a ball. The Brazilian national team was in London for a match against England.

In 1965, Pelé can be seen with his parents, Dondinho and Celeste. Dondinho, who was also a soccer player, passed down his skills to his son.

In a 1965 match, Pelé executed an overhead kick. Dutch football sensation Johan Cruyff once declared that Pelé “transcended the limits of reason” as a player.

In 1965, after a game in Rio de Janeiro, the famous Pelé and US Senator Robert F. Kennedy exchanged a handshake with soapy hands.

In 1966, Pelé and his wife, Rosemeri, had the opportunity to meet Pope Paul VI during their visit to the Vatican. The couple, who had recently gotten married, were on their honeymoon in Germany, Austria, and Italy.

In 1966, Pelé autographed for children. He participated in the 1966 World Cup representing Brazil, however, the team did not progress beyond the group stage during that tournament.

In 1967, Pelé and his wife Rosemeri took a stroll with their young daughter Kely, their first child. They eventually had three children together before getting divorced in 1978.

In 1968, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and her husband, Prince Philip, presented a trophy to Pelé after attending a game in Rio de Janeiro.

In 1969, Pelé rejoices with supporters following his accomplishment of scoring his 1,000th career goal.

In 1970, during the World Cup in Mexico, Pelé takes a break and unwinds at a hotel pool.

After scoring the opening goal for Brazil in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy, Pelé celebrated with joy. The Brazilian team went on to win with a score of 4-1. Italian defender Tarcisio Burgnich admitted, “Prior to the game, I believed that Pelé was just a mortal human like the rest of us. However, I soon realized my mistake.”

In 1970, Pelé and Jairzinho celebrated their victory in the World Cup final. The Brazilian team had a perfect record of six wins throughout the tournament, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in history.

In 1970, Pelé lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in celebration of Brazil’s victory in the World Cup. This win marked their third title, earning them the right to keep the trophy permanently. In 1974, a new World Cup trophy was introduced.

In 1973, Pelé and his wife, Rosemeri, visited the White House where he signed a soccer ball for US President Richard Nixon. Throughout his life, Pelé met multiple US presidents. His fame prompted a memorable remark from Ronald Reagan in 1986: “I am Ronald Reagan, the President of the United States of America. But you need not introduce yourself, as Pelé is a renowned figure.”

In 1973, Pelé gave some tips to late-night TV host Johnny Carson.

In 1975, Pelé greeted the audience before playing for the New York Cosmos for the first time. He agreed to a yearly contract of $1.4 million and quickly gained attention in the growing league.

In 1975, American football player Joe Namath exchanged balls with Pelé at a promotional event in New York.

The cheerleaders eagerly awaited the arrival of Pelé onto the field at a Cosmos game in 1977.

In 1977, following a match between the Cosmos and his former Brazilian club, Santos, Pelé proudly displayed both Brazilian and American flags at Giants Stadium. The game, which was an exhibition, saw Pelé playing the first half for the Cosmos and the second half for Santos.

Pelé, Michael Caine, and Sylvester Stallone were all in attendance at a party. The trio had previously worked together on the 1981 movie “Escape to Victory.”

In 1991, Pelé takes a photo in Rio de Janeiro.

In 1997, Pelé congratulated two of his fellow Brazilian players, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, as they came in first and second place for the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

In 2006, Pelé sat for a portrait. In his later life, he became a vocal political figure advocating for the impoverished in Brazil. He held the role of a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for several years, advocating for peace and providing aid to disadvantaged children.

In 2008, Pelé and British football player David Beckham were both present at a charity event honoring the sport of soccer in the United States.

In 2011, Pelé was photographed with children in Natori, Japan after an earthquake and tsunami hit the area. His presence was to raise awareness for the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil.

In 2016, Pelé was present at a charity game held in Manchester, England.

Pelé’s life in pictures

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Beacon of light

Clive Toye, the inaugural General Manager of the Cosmos, played a crucial part in recruiting the sport’s biggest superstar to the team at the time.

As a former journalist, Toye played a significant role in the establishment of the NASL. He had a vision for the future of soccer in the United States and saw Pelé as the key to turning that vision into a reality.

Toye and the Cosmos encountered strong resistance from various countries in their pursuit of Pelé’s signature.

Powerful political involvement was also at play, as Pelé claimed that even then US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had played a role in persuading him to join the Cosmos.

“In 2011, Pelé stated to CNN that he had received numerous offers to play in England, Italy, Spain, and Mexico but declined, as he wanted to retire after 18 years and take a break.”

“The suggestion arose to travel to New York with the goal of growing soccer’s popularity in the United States. This was the catalyst for my mission.”

During his stint in New York, Pelé drew in new followers to the sport.

All of a sudden, it became popular to watch soccer.

The Cosmos team, featuring star players, gained worldwide attention through televised matches and became a highly sought-after event. Pelé and the Cosmos even embarked on a global tour.

Dennis Tueart, a former player for the Cosmos, shared that wherever they traveled in the world – including Asia, Australia, and Europe – the sole focus was always on Pelé. Despite being signed to replace him, Tueart had the opportunity to play some exhibition matches alongside the renowned Brazilian star. He revealed this information to Sky Sports.

“He possessed exceptional vision and athleticism […] in my opinion, he was undoubtedly the greatest.”

Pelé still has a presence in New York City today. The ‘Pelé Soccer’ store was opened in 2019 and sits on the iconic Times Square, a location many fans flocked to after news of his death.

In 1977, following their victory in the NASL championship, the Cosmos arranged a final match against Pelé’s previous team Santos. The Brazilian player participated in both halves of the game, marking his official retirement.

Following the statement, he spoke to a crowd of over 70,000 individuals at a sold-out Giants Stadium in New York, leading them in a chant of “Love, love, love.”

Maybe this was a fitting conclusion for a man who brought happiness wherever he went and played a significant role in making soccer a part of the lifestyle in North America.

Source: cnn.com