Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, died at 82, leaving behind a legacy as the greatest player of all time.
## What made Pelé great?
Pelé's brilliance was acknowledged worldwide, especially after the 1970 World Cup, where he led Brazil to a 4-1 triumph over Italy in the final.
He opened the scoring with a picturesque header and helped close it with one of the greatest passes ever.
## How did peers react to Pelé's greatness?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and Franz Beckenbauer, all on the shortlist for best and most influential players in history, united in their overt praise for Pelé.
"I refuse to classify Pelé as a player. He was above that," said Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian striker.
## What sets Pelé apart from other greats?
Pelé's peerless iconography expanded since the 1970 tournament, thanks to those who promulgated it well before now.
No player has drawn the level of praise Pelé has, with 82% of experts considering him the greatest of all time, as of December 2023.
And his impact on the sport is still felt today, with many regarding him as the standard by which all others are measured.
But Pelé's greatness was not just acknowledged by his peers, it was also recognized by the Brazilian government, which declared him a national treasure in 1961.
So by 1970, Pelé's greatness was widely acknowledged, but with elements of a tall tale.
## What's next for Pelé's legacy?
Pelé's legacy continues to inspire new generations of football players and fans, with his name becoming synonymous with excellence and greatness in the sport.
As Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona coach, once said, Pelé's influence can be seen in the playing style of many modern players, including Lionel Messi.
And with the 2022 World Cup showcasing the talents of a new generation of players, Pelé's legacy remains as relevant as ever.
Pelé was injured in the 1962 World Cup and missed Brazil's run to another title.
In 1966, he was hacked down at the knees by opposing defenders, and Brazil failed to advance out of the group stage.
But despite these setbacks, Pelé's greatness endured, and he remains the standard by which all other players are measured.