Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is widely regarded as the greatest player in football history and one of the greatest athletes of all time. His father, Dodinaho, taught him every conceivable football skill, including the most important one of being able to hit a ball with his forehead while keeping his eyes open. Since retiring, Pelé has become a global ambassador for football, tirelessly promoting its potential to transform young men and women, communities in distress, and even entire nations. In Why Football Matters, Pelé details his ambitious goals for the future of sport and, by extension, the world.
He explains how football can be used to connect and encourage players from all corners of the globe. He also shares his own story of how he got into football and how it has shaped his life. He talks about his father's knee injury that ended his professional career before it even began and how he was inspired by his father's passion for the game. Pelé also discusses how football has become a political tool in Brazil and how he withdrew from the national team when it became too politicized.
He also shares his experience of traveling to Sweden as a young player and meeting a Swedish girl who was more intrigued by his skin color than by his ability as a footballer. The legendary star, ambassador and humanitarian also shares a global vision of what football can achieve. He believes that football can be used to bring people together and create positive change in communities around the world. He also believes that football can be used to inspire young people to reach their goals and make a difference in their lives.
Pelé never fully explains why football is important, but he does provide insight into the most popular game in the world through his own experiences. This is Pelé's legacy, his way of transmitting everything he's learned and inspiring a new generation. By sharing his story and vision for the future of football, Pelé has left an indelible mark on the sport that will continue to inspire generations to come. Football is more than just a game; it is an international language that transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together from all walks of life.
It is a powerful tool for social change that can be used to empower individuals and communities alike. Through Pelé's story, we can see how football can be used to create positive change in our world. We can learn from his example and use football as a force for good in our own lives.
