OT but deserves the front page -- Pele has died
 

His health had been failing for a while. Whether or not he is still the greatest is debatable; whether he is one of the most compelling athletes ever is not.

He was both a great player, a great sport ambassador and world wide he was one of the most famous athletes of all time.

He will be missed

Sad peter

So sad to hear the news. Just let my son know, he plays high school and League soccer. Heard ESPN 2 may be showing a special right now. Pele won 3 World Cups. One of the true greats both on the field and off.

Pele was injured early in the 1962 World Cup, which most people don't realize, and did not play thereafter. So the "three World Cups" has a bit of an asterisk. Even two, of course, is more than Maradona and Messi, probably the only other legit contenders for GOAT.

RIP to a great one.

He was the Babe Ruth of his sport, an ambassador. RIP...

RIP, God Speed.

Grateful I got the pleasure of seeing him play in Vancouver against the Whitecaps. One of a kind, no doubt.

Grant.

A guy who used to work in my office claimed, and it probably was true, that a Scottish team on which he was goalie played Pele in some sort of exhibition in the early 60s. Pele scored on him, and as he ran by Colin he patted him on the head. Not to demean him, but to acknowledge that they'd shared a moment. From what I can tell he had an undefinable quality, more than charisma, maybe grace is the right word, or style, or both. Hobby wise, I don't think any soccer player will ever surpass him. A couple of RCs although damn I wish I had bought the better ones in the day.

Since it's a card forum...