GOAT; a moniker first coined on an online forum referencing former NBA star Penny Hardaway in 1996, has become synonymous with debates across the sporting world regarding who is the best to ever do it.
It was at the center of Argentina’s third World Cup win this winter when Lionel Messi finally lifted the one trophy that eluded him for so long as he chased the ever-looming shadow of Diego Maradona.
Even before that, as on-pitch rivals Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – who many feel, one way or another, are the best footballers to ever play the game – were entering their last hurrah on football’s biggest stage while France star Kylian Mbappé looked to build on his platform of success that will eventually see his name entered into that same discussion; who is football’s true GOAT remains a never-ending talking point.
For many, that man was, is, and will always be Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or as the world has come to know him as; Pelé.
How a young man from such humble beginnings became Pelé, widely considered the greatest soccer player ever, is a story written on the hearts of generations of his compatriots and fans around the world.
It is a story told, too, in photographs. https://t.co/hKqWhpbatH pic.twitter.com/RZIOhJfjqn
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 29, 2022
As the footballing world – and billions across the globe at large – have been shaken at the news of the 82-year-old Brazilian legend’s passing after a courageous battle against illness, an unwavering belief for many that the beautiful game has lost its greatest face, it’s most prized possession, and it’s most-influential presence.
From humble beginnings in Três Corações to the very pinnacle of footballing achievement on the back of three World Cup wins and an endless highlight real of moments of inexplicable ability, Pelé gave the beautiful game to the world much in the same way that Johan Cruyff championed total football. But for Pelé his influence was truly global; the first footballer to ever influence the hearts and minds of the full human audience.
“Unique. Cool. Technical. Creative. Perfect. One of a kind. Where Pelé arrived, he stayed. Without ever leaving the top, he leaves us today. The king of football – only one. The greatest of all time. The world of mourning, the sadness of parting mixed with the immense pride of the written history. What a privilege to come after you, my friend. Your talent is a school every player should go through. Your legacy will transcend generations. And that’s how it will stay alive. Today, and always, we celebrate you. Thank you, Pelé. Rest in peace.”
With tributes pouring in across social media, 101 Great Goals extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, the nation of Brazil, and the countless people around the world that will be affected by his passing. Rest well, Pelé.
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number… He turned football into art.” 👑
Neymar’s beautiful tribute to the legendary Brazilian forward 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/znWvWuc9al
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 29, 2022
A quote from Pele when Maradona passed.
Two footballing gods unite today 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/gEAK9HDKud
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) December 29, 2022
When Maradona passed Pelé wrote:
“One day, in heaven, we will play together on the same team. And it will be the first time that I raise my fist in the air in triumph on the pitch without celebrating a goal. It will be because I can finally embrace you again.” pic.twitter.com/MMtAjKJpZ6
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) December 29, 2022
Pele 🤍 🕊 #thegreatest R I P pic.twitter.com/4lgOkJqDUi
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) December 29, 2022
The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding.
The player, The man, The icon@Pele pic.twitter.com/x763cyrqIF
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 29, 2022
📲 “Lost a legend today. Thank you for sharing your talent, genius, and love with us. @pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always”
– Lewis Hamilton via IG story pic.twitter.com/HpMcu87D8z
— Sir Lewis Hamilton Updates (@SirLewisUpdates) December 29, 2022
Pelé was unique because, for the longest time, he was (is?) the yardstick by whom we judge greatness. His brilliance was so enduring that it was almost taken for granted, the same way that people in constantly hot countries might become complacent about the presence of the Sun. pic.twitter.com/S4V49Km47B
— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) December 29, 2022
