Pelé, the legendary Brazilian soccer player, made a significant impact on the sport in North America when he joined the New York Cosmos in 1975. Despite his remarkable career with Santos, it was Pelé’s decision to come out of retirement and sign with the Cosmos that transformed the landscape of soccer in the United States. At a time when soccer struggled to generate interest in North America, Pelé’s arrival sparked a revolution.
During his three seasons with the Cosmos, Pelé not only helped the team become NASL champions but also had a lasting impact on soccer in the region. The Cosmos and their star player traveled the world, spreading the love for the beautiful game and turning baseball diamonds into soccer pitches. Pelé’s influence is still felt today, almost 50 years later, with his move to the Cosmos paving the way for other greats like Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer.
Although the NASL eventually folded, it set the blueprint for Major League Soccer (MLS), which was established in 1993. Many superstars, including David Beckham, Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have followed in Pelé’s footsteps by playing in the MLS and contributing to the growth of soccer in North America. Today, soccer is thriving in the US, with the national men’s team impressing at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Pelé’s natural ability and infectious smile were instrumental in the early development of soccer in the 1970s. His talent captivated fans, inspiring them to embrace the sport and become regular spectators. One American fan shared how watching Pelé in 1975 was a life-changing experience that ignited their passion for soccer and the World Cup.
Pelé’s impact on the Cosmos was evident in the increased attendance at their matches. The average crowd during his final season in 1977 was over 42,000, with some games attracting more than 70,000 spectators. His decision to join the Cosmos at the age of 34 was a transformative moment for soccer in the US, demonstrating the game’s power and potential.
The Cosmos’ General Manager, Clive Toye, played a crucial role in bringing Pelé to the team. Despite facing opposition from around the world, Toye believed Pelé was the key to making soccer a reality in the US. Even heavyweight political figures like Henry Kissinger got involved in convincing Pelé to join the Cosmos.
With the Cosmos and Pelé leading the charge, soccer became cool and gained global attention. The team toured various countries, and wherever they went, Pelé was the star everyone wanted to see. His remarkable skills and athleticism solidified his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
Pelé’s presence is still felt in New York City today, with the ‘Pelé Soccer’ store located in Times Square. Fans flocked to the store after his death, paying tribute to the man who brought joy to their lives and established soccer as a way of life in North America.
To bid farewell to his playing career, Pelé participated in a farewell match against his former team Santos. More than 70,000 people attended the packed Giants Stadium to witness this historic moment. After the game, Pelé addressed the crowd, leading them in a chant of “Love, love, love.” It was a fitting end to a remarkable career and a testament to the joy Pelé brought to soccer.
Pelé’s legacy lives on, as his influence continues to shape the sport in North America. His arrival in the US in 1975 marked a turning point for soccer, paving the way for future generations of players and fans to embrace the beautiful game. Pelé’s mission to make soccer big in America was more than successful, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history in the region.
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