By Elliott West
“It has been my lifelong dream to start a foundation to help children of the world better their lives as people in my childhood helped me to better mine,” Pelé said. “My foundation reflects the life I’ve led both on and off the field and I am looking forward to working with esteemed leaders in philanthropy to help the children of our world.”
Pelé
Introduction
Edson Arantes do Nascimento or Pelé as he became known as was probably one of the greatest football players that have ever graced a football pitch. His is a classic story of starting his life in ultimate poverty in the streets of Bauru in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. A former Portuguese colony that was explored for gold but somewhere where its inhabitants struggled for everyday survival. Sadly much of this poverty still exists in Brazil today with a wave of shantytowns dotted across this South American skyline. Pelé’s parents were so poor that they couldn’t afford to buy a football for their son. Ever the optimist, Pelé adapted, making his own makeshift football, made from a sock, stuffed with newspaper and making money by working in local tea shops.
Despite the true success of his football career, a winning formula that brought him victories with his club Santos and a staggering three World Cup wins with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pelé always remained a humble man who came from an era of football that was not driven by astronomical salaries but just the true passion to play the beautiful game. This Brazilian always remembered his humble roots and remained impassioned throughout his life to help those less fortunate in life. This is what I wish to concentrate on in this piece and shine a light on a side of Pelé that is probably not talked about enough.
Love and Compassion
The mantra of the Pelé Foundation is ‘Amor, amor e amor, para sempre’ or translated into English ‘Love, love and love forever’. An inner feeling that Pelé could conquer all the problems that life throws at you on a daily basis. This football icon who shared the world stage with many of the great and influential people in modern-day history and shares the football pedestal with the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Charlton and Diego Maradona, worked tirelessly throughout his life with charities such as UNICEF, the ABC Trust and as FIFA Ambassador against racism. He also worked with Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Littlest Lamb and the Prince’s Rainforest Project.
Pelé was a humanitarian whose mission was to empower children across the world, elevating them from poverty through education. A philanthropic approach that has helped many as a result of his efforts. The dirt fields of Três Corações were etched in his mind, a place where he spent his youth and helped to fuel this burning desire to give back to our future, the children. A helping hand that may be as simple as providing clean water to a community. A problem that causes so many unnecessary illnesses and deaths due to contaminated water.
This drive in Pelés life is touching and selfless. Although he never shunned the limelight, the Brazilian used his fame and influence to help others in greater need. This included a charity auction in 2021 where some of his medals, football shirts and trophies from his days at Santos, the Brazil team and later New York Cosmos were auctioned off to help multiple charities. He also called in favours from Franz Beckenbauer, and David Beckham to provide items and even several lots from the late George Best. This also included auction lots from celebrities outside football such as Justin Timberlake, Maria Sharapova and Mark Wahlberg. An auction that took place at the Mall Galleries in London and included more than 2,000 items.
Afterthoughts
This Brazilian football great truly believed that football could unite people, bringing together the many through one love, the love of football. A man who always had a glint in his eye and a smile that warmed the hearts of many, Pelé was a driving force that helped revolutionise football, displaying a skill for football that few can replicate. He was a man who many looked up to, a football icon who actually remained grounded throughout his life. He knew where he came from and never forgot the struggles he had to endure in life to achieve his life goals. He gave back just as much as he gave and will always remain not only as one of the greatest football players but also a man who believed passionately in helping others.
