Pele, one of the greatest ever to play The Beautiful Game (I think he coined the phrase) died today. No list of the greats of the game would be complete without his name. He owned three World Cup medals, was a consummate professional and sportsman who played the game with flair and joy. While he was not the first foreign star to play in the US it can be argued that his arrival for the New York team ramped up interest in the game here as no other did.
Growing up in a household that revered basketball over soccer/football, Pele was still a known player to me as a child. RIP Pele—I hope that in some part of the universe your soul is having a kick-round with George Best, Maradona and Gerard Houllier…
George Best, the often forgotten player when talk turns to the treats of the game. Never got to be in a WC because Northern Ireland did not qualify and a career cut short by alcohol. Check out YT George Best dribbles the ball. Phenomenal.