Why Soccer Matters

Description

Football fans always agree on one thing: the greatest player of all time was Pele. During his 20 year career, he was heralded as an international treasure, and his accomplishments on the field proved to be pure magic: an unprecedented three World Cup championships and the all-time scoring record, with 1,283 goals. Now the legendary star and humanitarian explores the sport's recent history and provides new insights into the game. With unparalleled openness, he shares his most inspiring experiences, heart-warming stories and hard-won wisdom.

Pele started his professional career at the age of sixteen for Santos Futebol Clube, a club he stayed with for nearly two decades. In 1958, he won his first World Cup for Brazil at age seventeen-the youngest winner ever. He went on to win another two World Cups in 1962 and 1970, making him the only player in the world today with three Jules Rimet trophies. He is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the sport (1,283 goals in 1,366 matches). Named one of the "Top 20 Most Important People of the 20th Century" (Time) and "Football Player of the Century" (FIFA), Pele today maintains his commitment to the sport and to society by fulfilling various roles as spokesperson, ambassador and philanthropist. Brian Winter, the chief correspondent for Reuters Brazil, has coauthored several books, including a memoir by Brazil's former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso. He lives inS o Paulo.

Praise for Why Soccer Matters "An engaging reflection on international football in the World Cup era. Pele's voice shines through...Provide[s] insight into the world's most popular game through the eyes of its most revered figure."-Kirkus Reviews