CNN — Pelé, the legendary soccer player who won three World Cups and became a global icon, made a significant impact on the sport in North America when he joined the New York Cosmos in 1975. Despite retiring months earlier from his childhood club Santos, it was a groundbreaking move for Pelé to sign with the North American Soccer League (NASL) team, especially considering soccer’s lack of popularity in the region at that time. By the time he left in 1977, Pelé had helped transform the landscape of soccer in the US, sparking a soccer boom and inspiring a new generation of players.
The influence of Pelé’s move to Cosmos is still felt today, with other greats like Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer following in his footsteps. Although the NASL eventually folded in 1984, it set the blueprint for Major League Soccer (MLS), which was established in 1993. Superstars like David Beckham, Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all contributed to the growth of soccer in North America by playing in the MLS. Soccer is now thriving in the US, with the national men’s team impressing during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Pelé’s impact on the sport is evident in the increasing popularity and integration of soccer in North American society. The early groundwork laid in the 1970s, fueled by Pelé’s natural ability and infectious smile, has led to a sport that is now passed down through generations. Pelé’s ability to captivate fans and showcase the limitless possibilities of soccer was a transformative moment for the sport in the US, according to MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The effort to bring Pelé to the Cosmos was driven by Clive Toye, the team’s first General Manager, who believed that Pelé was the key to realizing his vision for soccer in the US. Despite facing opposition from around the world, including political intervention, Pelé ultimately chose the Cosmos. This decision brought global recognition to the team and made watching soccer cool. With widespread broadcasting and the star-studded Cosmos team, soccer became the hottest ticket in town. The Cosmos and Pelé toured the world, and wherever they went, fans clamored for Pelé’s presence.
Today, Pelé’s legacy continues in New York City with the Pelé Soccer store located in Times Square. After winning the NASL title in 1977, Pelé played a farewell match against Santos, his former team. Addressing a packed stadium of over 70,000 fans, Pelé led the crowd in a chant of “Love, love, love.” It was a fitting end to the career of a man who brought joy to people wherever he went and solidified soccer as a way of life in North America.