The New York Cosmos have released a statement in honor of their former player Pele, the legendary Brazilian who died Thursday at the age of 82.
The three-time World Cup winner passed away from colon cancer after learning the disease had progressed on December 21, and stayed in the hospital over Christmas as he needed treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.
He had previously been admitted to the hospital on November 30 with ‘decompensated heart failure’ before passing away a month later.
The Cosmos statement read: ‘The New York Cosmos family, past and present, grieve the loss of sporting icon Pele. The Brazilian legend passed away today at the age of 82.
Pele played for the Cosmos from 1975-1977, and hugely increased soccer popularity in the US
Pele is seen in action for the Cosmos in the NASL circa 1976 at Yankee Stadium
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in the city of Tres Coracoes, Pele would become one of the world’s most celebrated figures. He made his professional soccer debut with Santos at the age of 15 and would go on to score over a thousand goals and win the FIFA World Cup three times before turning 30.
In 1975, Pele joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei treated fans to numerous legendary moments on the pitch, including scoring a hat-trick to win the 1977 NASL Soccer Bowl.
During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pele helped transform the domestic landscape of the sport of soccer. Where once there had been baseball diamonds, now there were also soccer pitches.
Pele is approached by fans following a game at Giants Stadium for the New York Cosmos
The Cosmos and their King not only started a sporting revolution in America, they also traveled the world to spread the Gospel of the Beautiful Game, representing the world’s most global city at the global game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China, and Japan, where their visits remain a cherished part of local sporting lore.
His last game as a professional footballer was played on October 1, 1977, before a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a global television audience. Pele played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos.
‘Pele’s name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius. His lasting impact on the sport of soccer is inestimable. Rest in peace, O Rei.’
USA forward Timothy Weah paid tribute to Pele following the soccer icon’s death on Thursday
Barack Obama and USWNT World Cup winner also paid their respects on social media
Tom Brady also paid tribute to Pele, sharing a photo of the pair meeting to his Instagram story
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Pele has died at the age of 82 following his battle with colon cancer with the world of football in mourning for the Brazil legend
Pele played with German icon Franz Beckenbauer, Italian Giorgio Chinaglia and fellow Brazilian international Carlos Alberto Torres at the Cosmos.
He was coming off his third World Cup win in 1970, when the newly formed club in the fledgling North American Soccer league was called. Pele wasn’t interested at the time, but he would resign five years later to sign a three-year deal reportedly worth an astonishing $7 million – $2 million of which was used to pay his Brazilian tax bill.
But according to Pele, it wasn’t the money that convinced him to come out of semiretirement to help popularize soccer in the US – it was Henry Kissinger.
‘I am sure your stay in the United States will substantially contribute to closer ties between Brazil and the US,’ the former US Secretary of State told him, as quoted by Pele on Twitter.
Making their debut in 1971, the NASL’s fourth season, the Cosmos went practically unnoticed in the Bronx, averaging 4,517 fans at Yankee Stadium. They would soon move to Hofstra University’s field on Long Island, where they averaged only 4,282 and 5,782 fans in 1972 and 1973, respectively.
But it wasn’t until Pele’s arrival in 1975 that the team began to make inroads with New Yorkers.
CBS broadcast Pele’s first match at Downing Stadium on the city’s Randall Island, where dirt was spray painted green to give the illusion of grass to television audiences.
By 1977, Pele’s final season with the team, the Cosmos were averaging 34,142 fans a game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In fact, they did even better after his retirement, averaging 47,856 fans a game the following season.
The Cosmos would win NASL titles in 1977, with Pele, and again in 1978 and 1980.
Pele was fondly remembered in other corners of American soccer as well as with US fans thanking him for getting them into soccer.
US Women’s national team World Cup winner Carli Lloyd tweeted: ‘Icon. Legend. Goat. RIP Pele.’
Former USMNT midfielder and Houston Dynamo coach Tab Ramos said: ‘GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Carried The Beautiful Game on his shoulders and always with class. Rest in Peace.’
Pele brought huge popularity to soccer in the USA as he played for the Cosmos
Pele is seen with teammate Steve Hunt prior to a game at Giants Stadium
Pele in action during an NASL Soccer game circa 1976 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx
USMNT winger Tim Weah added on Instagram: ‘Thank you for paving the way for young black men like myself to believe that anything is possible if you dream big.
‘You will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for changing my life and inspiring me to continue believing in my abilities.’
Another sporting legend, Tom Brady, also paid tribute as he shared a photo of the pair exchanging a signed soccer ball and football helmet to his Instagram story, writing: ‘Honored to have met you. Rest in Peace.’
The NFL star also shared a video of Pele wishing him luck ahead of his tenth Super Bowl appearance in 2020 with the Brazilian icon noting that ten, the number he wore throughout his career, was his lucky number.
Even former US President Barack Obama offered his condolences.
‘Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together,’ he said.
World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe shared a tribute to the Brazilian icon
‘Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.’
Of course, Pele’s influence stretched far beyond North America, and so did his tributes on Thursday.
World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe shared a tribute to the Brazilian icon.
‘The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING,’ he said on Twitter.
His compatriot Neymar also penned a touching tribute on Instagram.
PSG forward Neymar posted an emotional message in tribute to the legendary Brazilian star
‘Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete,’ he said.
I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.
‘Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!’
Pele shoots on goal during an NASL Soccer game circa 1977 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx
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