Pele

The Original Boy from Brazil

With recent talk in the football community focusing on current Brazilian favorite Kaka, you need only rewind to 1957 when a young Brazilian, now considered by many to be the greatest player to ever play the game, announced his arrival to the football world.

The original poster boy for Brazilian football, Pele, burst on to the scene with Santos Futebol Clube at the tender age of 16 becoming top scorer in the Brazilian league. In a career that spanned 20 years, Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times (1958, 1962, 1970), became top scorer for the national team, won countless South American titles and gained adulation around the world.

Pele - 1962

Strong on the ball, with the ability to soar above defences, the orginal boy from Brazil played with a smile and a swagger that defined a generation. Football played to a samba beat, the famous yellow shirts invented outrageous skills and executed fluid passing moves at astonishing speeds. Pele was the leader of the pack.

In an exclusive interview with Luis Felipe Scolari (LFS), coach of the 2002 World Cup winning Brazil team and current head coach at Chelsea, Footy Factor (FF) asked the question: Who is the best football player of all time?

LFS: Pele!

FF: But you are just saying that because you are Brazilian.

LFS: No, no. He can do everything. He can shoot. He can pass. He can jump. He can play anywhere. He can be strong when you need him to be. He can fight when it is necessary. He has everything. Pele.