When ‘O Rei’ won the first honorary FIFA Ballon d'Or
Almost ago 10 years, the most important gala in the world of the spherical had a name and surname. In a 2014 marked by the Brazil World Cup, FIFA wanted to pamper the South American country in a special way by awarding it the first Honorary Golden Ball to one of the most important players in Brazilian soccer and world soccer. The legendary striker, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Skin, what was he unique in history to win three World Cups, received the trophy from the FIFA President, Joseph Blatter and showed excited about this special award.
An emotional memory, like all that is made in honor of such a transcendental person within any field, that had been rumored months before. until, in an interview with Pelé, the doubts were resolved. "In my time there was no Ballon d'Or and now I'm going to have one" the forward told Brazilian journalists in Zurich days before the gala of the year. It was a very special moment for Pelé and he didn't know how to keep the secret, which apparently cost him a wake-up call from the organizers who have finally accepted that the stars, to the 18, to the 30 and to 73 years, ‘They’re like that’.
A lifetime in the service of football
Pelé has an extensive and impressive track record. To older than three World Cups with Brazil, with the Santos, in which he played between 1956 Y 1974, collected titles: won eleven times the championship of Sao Paulo, what was it top scorer during 16 editions; six Brazil Cups, two Libertadores Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
Further, the former player, who also played in the New York Cosmos between 1975 Y 1977, disputed 91 encounters as international, with a total of 97 goals. Thus becoming the Brazil's top scorer and in 1999 at best athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee.
“The time has come to recognize a very special player. We are going to award the first Honor Award in history. There are several names that could have been awarded, but when we think of football there is one that stands out above the rest”, valued Joseph blatter, FIFA president.
“No player has had such a huge influence on the world of football.. His legacy speaks volumes, his skills are timeless and his good nature knows no bounds. More of 1.200 goals in a race, the only one who has won the World Cup three times, the best player to ever walk on a playing field: Skin!”, stressed Blatter.
The most emotional Pelé
That the highest football organization wanted to "reward a life put at the service of‘ jogo’ nice ”he brought out the most emotional Pelé.
“I promised my family I wasn't going to cry but it's a lot of emotion. I have to give thanks for having played so many years. But I didn't play alone, there were more friends. People remember those who played with me, but we must not forget the one who prepared the boots, the masseur… Many good people with whom I share this award”, thanked the player.
“I thank God because I played for many years and I also won many prizes, but I was' jealous’ because I did not receive a Ballon d'Or for not playing in Europe. I have now completed my trophies”, the Brazilian myth concluded with tears in his eyes.
