STILL THE KING OF SOCCER, LE ROI PELE'
By Noe Dorestant, E.E.
Up to this date, Pele' (Edson Arantes do Nascimiento born on October 1940 in a small village) of Sao Paulo, Brazil is still recognized as one of the world best soccer player that ever lived, and still one of Brazil best sport ambassador. He played in four World Cup competitions for Brazil (period: 1958-1970), he also led Brazil to three World Cup soccer championships: in 1958(Brazil defeated Sweden by a score of 5-2), 1962(Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia by a score of 3-1) and in 1970(Brazil defeated Italy by a score of 4-1). Pele' has scored over 1,200 goals in his career. He played for Santos 1954-1974 and New York Cosmos 1975-1977. Pele' who has just turned sixty in October, 2000, almost looked the same and has kept the same enthusiasm for his fans and soccer, similar to the time when I took this picture of him in January 1991 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida. During a recent trip in Rio de Janeiro on March, 2000, I saw a recent picture of Pele' in the Brazilian newspaper "O Globo", with the subtitle "A nova alegria do rei". The contagious joy that Pele' brought to the sport of soccer is still in his ever present smile as the four fingers victory sign of the king (Rei Pele') and his legacy lives on.
Pele signing autograph for fans during Copa Pele on January 18th, 1991 at Joe Robbie stadium in Miami(near Miramar, Florida.)
Pele', although no longer an active soccer player, continues to be an icon for world soccer. He has until recently occupied the title of Brazil Minister of Sport. He is ever present on Brazilian and International television, promoting good sportsmanship and fairplay for the world most popular and most loved sport: football/soccer.
Note: All pictures were provided by Noe Dorestant as a token of his civic contribution to help promote soccer for Haitians and the community in which they reside. If you copy and plan to reuse any of these picture. PS give credit to the originator. All rights reserved 2000. Web page written and designed by Noe Dorestant on 10/25/2000.
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