Rediff.com salutes the legendary Brazilian who turns 70 today
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
The man who said these words of wisdom happens to be one who personifies success.
One whose glittering career was embellished with records and achievements.
One whose name is the first that comes to mind when football is discussed.
Yes, the name is Pele, Edson Arantes do Nascimento for the inquisitive minds.
The legendary Brazilian turns 70 today.
And besides wishing him the best, it is also time to rewind on a career that was remarkable in every sense of the term.
From working in teashops to being an ambassador of sports, from playing with socks stuffed with newspapers on the beaches to dominating the football field, from being an aspiring teenager to being a legend who inspires millions, Pele's success story is the stuff of fairytale.
For someone who started playing at 15, became part of the Selecao (Brazilian national team) a year later and won the World Cup at 17, Pele's professional career had a dream start.
The youngster grabbed the opportunity given with both hands -- as his six goals in the tournament, all coming in the last three matches, proved.
If the 1958 edition in Sweden marked his arrival on the big stage, the subsequent two would be a reality check.
While an injury limited his participation in the 1962 edition -- Brazil defended their title nevertheless, negative football (read fouls) ensured that the 1966 tournament was a forgettable experience for both Brazil and Pele.
The bitter experience in England made Pele quit international football. However, he came back for a final hurrah. It turned out to be good decision. The 1970 edition was what can be termed as a perfect swansong for Pele.
Not only did Brazil win the World Cup -- thereby taking permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy -- but also had Pele scoring a plethora of goals.
As regards his club career, Pele had only two employers in his resume.
Santos, a club where he plied his trade for almost two decades, and New York Cosmos, where he came out of semi-retirement to claim a final piece of silverware: the North American Soccer League in 1977.
Pele's final tally read 1281 goals.
However, more than the number of goals, trophies and accolades, it is his legacy that has left a lasting impression.
Be it as an ambassador for the United Nations, a minister in the Brazilian government, as an administrator or even as a model promoting Viagra, Pele has made his mark in every area he has dabbled with.
Not to forget the many books he has authored (or collaborated), the many movies and musicals he has starred in or inspired.
There seems just one phrase that is apt to describe the Brazilian: Greatest footballer of All Time.
And here we aren't interested in getting into a debate or the unnecessary comparisons with Diego Maradona.
The facts, figures and lasting imprint that the Brazilian has had on the game provide a clear answer.
Pele has been the greatest impression the beautiful game has had since its inception.
Or, as he was quoted saying once, 'When football stars disappear, so do the teams, and that is a very curious phenomenon. It is like in the theatre, in a play, where there is a great star. If the star is not well, the whole cast suffers.'
Pele, however, is a star who will never disappear.
Happy Birthday!
