There were two things that stood out about Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more easily recognised as Pelé, the greatest footballer in history.
First was his mesmerising talent on the pitch and second was his smile.
He has been called the “eternal master of the beautiful game”, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and again in 1970. When he finally retired in 1977, Pelé had scored more than 1 000 goals.
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He scored 77 for Brazil, a mark only equalled at the recent World Cup by Neymar.
He achieved this in a period when football was less money-driven and less of the carefully constructed media- and mega-business circus that it is now.
As we mourn the passing of this legend, it is well to remember that, despite his enormous achievements on the pitch and later in public life, Pelé was always humble and happy.
That might seem twee in our increasingly cynical, acquisitive and tech-thrusting world… but it should always be a reminder that sport, at its purest, is a celebration of the finest aspects of the human spirit.
Pelé loved football… even when he was on the losing side. And he loved people.
His life and his infectious smile should inspire us all.
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