As Brazilian legend Pele turns 70 tomorrow, the debate as to who is the better player between himself and Maradona is far from over. The boy who lived next to an airfield and wanted to be a pilot when he grew up changed his mind when he witnessed a horrific plane crash. That was probably the best decision he ever made as he is now arguably the greatest player of all time.
At 70 and still as youthful as ever, Pele is the face of the beautiful game. His glittering career has inspired and continues to inspire many children who harbour hopes of one day turning their passion into profit.
Like many who children growing up in poverty, Pele was not fortunate enough to have a real ball to play with. Instead, he played with a sock stuffed with a newspaper tied with a string or a grapefruit. At 15 he joined Santos FC junior team and as they say, the rest is history.
Not much is known about his personal life, however, the man considered as a national hero in his native Brazil is expected to celebrate this milestone birthday with friends and close family members.
On 21 February Pele married Rosmeri Dos Reis Cholby with whom they have 3 children, 2 girls Kelly Cristina, Jennifer and a son named Edson. The couple however divorced in 1978.
He again re-married in 1994 to psychologist and singer Assíria Lemos Seixas. The couple were blessed with twins 2 years later. Pele’s is still actively involved with the game in a more global role. His life after football has seen him launch his own brand as well as having contracts with sporting goods manufacturer Puma and AG.
In addition to that, he is a United Nations ambassador as well as being a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. So who is better? Pele or Maradona? To be honest, this is one of those debates that will never be settled. My personal opinion of course does not influence anything, but i will still say it nonetheless. Maradona is good but Pele is better!
Photo credit: from WakamouL
