Frail genius whose gift to game is never in any doubt
THERE will always be debate as to who is the greatest player ever to have graced a football pitch but the genius of Brazilian legend Pele is impossible to ignore and captured beautifully in a new documentary which focuses on the now 80-year-old’s extraordinary life.
Opening with what he will later call one of the ‘best moments of his career’ – the 1970 World Cup – Pele [Netflix] soon reveals a more sobering reality as the frail superstar shuffles toward an empty chair aided by a walking frame, for a series of interviews that take us from humble beginnings to the top of the footballing world.
Aside from a spell with New York Cosmos toward the end of his career Pele was a one-club man. He joined Santos as a teenager and in a close to 20-year stay is credited with ‘taking the club to a new level’. It was here in November 1969 he made history with his 1,000th goal in all competitions – one of his less spectacular efforts from the penalty spot. An achievement which, though some may question the accuracy of those totting up the numbers, you don’t have to be Carol Vorderman to admit is impressive.
Much of this film’s focus, however, is on Pele’s international career and in particular the four
Those iconic golden jerseys still send a tingle down the spine
World Cups in which he appeared. Firstly as a 17year old in Sweden in 1958, where he scored twice in the final in a 5-2 victory over the hosts, then Chile in 1962, which the Brazilians also won, although Pele missed most of the tournament through injury. England 1966 was to be a chastening experience for the holders as they exited the competition at the group stages. Finally, there is the aforementioned Mexico ‘70; footage of which can still send a tingle down the spine as those iconic golden jerseys sweep aside Italy 4-1 in the final at the Azteca Stadium.
No story such as this is complete without its darker moments and on this front Pele is no different. Political upheaval was a backdrop to much of his career, with Brazil under the brutal hand of president Medici.
The government’s meddling in the national team and insistence on Pele’s involvement in it is a fact few dispute, while the striker’s meetings with and embracing of Medici is still something that sits uneasily with some. Pele’s story is a fascinating one. It may pose some questions but his gift to the game is not one of them.