Autobiography of Pelé, the King of Football

Author: (Brazil) Pelé
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: We're tired of the prophetic Pelé, and we've grown accustomed to his politician-like speeches. Of course, we still haven't forgotten the brave Pelé on the field, but that's far from the whole story. As the World Cup approaches, the 65-year-old Brazilian soccer king Pelé has published his new autobiography Pelé: My Life in London. This time, let's tear off the blindfold and approach a gentle heart without worship or prejudice, getting closer to the stranger we know. Recalling past memories, childhood dreams, youthful passion, and the glory of football, Pelé narrates with his usual elegance and simplicity, candidly revealing his inner world, allowing readers to see the extraordinary heroism of a remarkable man. The autobiography of a legendary hero—Pelé is a name even those who don't understand football recognize. The Brazilian soccer players of his era were to have played beautiful football, and Pelé was the best among them. He lifted the World Cup trophy three times and remained Brazil's top scorer. But how did he, like so many others, become an icon to the world? Was it simply because he was a great player? Or did he possess other qualities as well? Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in a poor family in Treze Colares, Brazil. He grew up playing street football and received guidance from his father. His father was once an excellent player, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. To support the family, Pelé worked as a shoeshine boy. When he joined Santos FC at the age of 15, his mother finally bought him a pair of long pants, as he had previously only worn shorts. He quickly stood out, and the officials of Santos Club initially didn't believe their youth coach Waldemar de Brito when he said this boy would become the world's best footballer, but they soon realized he was right. Pelé went on to set countless records with both the club and the national team. Now, the world's greatest footballer is telling the full story of his magical football life in his own words, with his usual elegance and simplicity, yet covering every aspect of his life on and off the field—as a politician, an international sports ambassador, and a cultural icon. All sports enthusiasts, and those who admire authenticity and extraordinary qualities, should read this autobiography.
The autobiography of a legendary hero—Pelé is a name even those who don't understand football recognize. The Brazilian soccer players of his era were to have played beautiful football, and Pelé was the best among them. He lifted the World Cup trophy three times and remained Brazil's top scorer. But how did he, like so many others, become an icon to the world? Was it simply because he was a great player? Or did he possess other qualities as well? Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in a poor family in Treze Colares, Brazil. He grew up playing street football and received guidance from his father. His father was once an excellent player, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. To support the family, Pelé worked as a shoeshine boy. When he joined Santos FC at the age of 15, his mother finally bought him a pair of long pants, as he had previously only worn shorts. He quickly stood out, and the officials of Santos Club initially didn't believe their youth coach Waldemar de Brito when he said this boy would become the world's best footballer, but they soon realized he was right. Pelé went on to set countless records with both the club and the national team. Now, the world's greatest footballer is telling the full story of his magical football life in his own words, with his usual elegance and simplicity, yet covering every aspect of his life on and off the field—as a politician, an international sports ambassador, and a cultural icon. All sports enthusiasts, and those who admire authenticity and extraordinary qualities, should read this autobiography.