I love football (what some may refer to as “Soccer”)! I distinctly remember the first moments that caused me to fall in love with the sport. Seeing the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Figo, Beckham and others absolutely enthralled me. Then, witnessing the brilliance and epic rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi added more fuel to that increasing fire. It truly is “the beautiful game”.
Upon becoming a fan of football, I sought to learn of the legends of the past; those who played before I began liking the sport, and even before I was born. I learned of Platini, Garrincha, Cruyff, Eusebio, Di Stefano, and many others. However, no other names gave a sense of prominence, prestige or regality as much as the two kings of the sport – Pelé and Maradona.
These two men sparked admiration and fear in many on the pitch. Their skills and influence were seen as “other-worldly”. When they flourished, the world cheered and celebrated. When they were controversial, the world had a healthy dislike that still transformed itself into admiration. No matter what happened, their impact was clear – the legacies that they built were clearly going to last.
About Pelé
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or “Pelé” as we know him, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais in Southeastern Brazil. Regarded as the greatest player of all time by many, Pelé was instrumental in pushing the global appeal of football and in creating Brazil into becoming the football powerhouse that it is today. Before Pelé, Brazil found it difficult to win a FIFA World Cup. Then in 1958, at the FIFA World Cup help in Sweden, a 17 year old Pelé helped lead the nation to their first triumph and cup trophy. He would help them to do that again at the 1962 World Cup in Chile and the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. To date, he is the only human being in history to have three (3) World Cup titles to his name. He also has many other accolades and records, including scoring 1,279 career goals in 1,363 games, which is still listed as a Guinness World Record.
At club level, Pelé never played in Europe, as most professional football players seek. However, for 19 seasons, he played with Brazilian club Santos FC and, later on, from 1975 until his official retirement from football in 1977, with American club New York Cosmos. The last match of his career was a game between his two clubs, Santos and Cosmos, where Pelé helped the Cosmos to a 2-1 win over the Brazilian club. The match ended in a huge torrential shower, with many Brazilian media houses using the headline – “Even the Sky was crying” – in reference to Pelé’s retirement.
About Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona was born on 30th October, 1960, in the city of Lanús in the Buenos Aires province, in Argentina. Considered as one of the greatest and only player to be considered on par with Pelé, Maradona is credited as helping to solidify the quality of South American and, particularly, Argentinian football, on a global scale. Nicknamed “El Pibe de Oro” or “the Golden Boy“, Maradona was an advanced playmaker and proficient striker who was heralded is a “carrier of teams”. This was clearly seen in his games for the Argentinian national team and the football clubs that he played for. Special mention is usually given towards his stay at Italian club Napoli, where he led the club to two and, to date, still their only Italian league championship titles (known in the footballing world as “Serie A titles”) in 1987 and 1990. Along with winning the Coppa Italia in 1987 and the UEFA cup in 1989, Napoli saw all of their major success and silverware, to date, being won during the Maradona years. The number 10 shirt that he wore for the club was retired and, in 2020, in commemoration of his death, they renamed their club stadium “the Diego Armando Maradona stadium”.
Maradona’s greatest impact, however, came with his exploits with the Argentine national team. He led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, a tournament in which he scored his infamous “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” goals. He also led Argentina to the final of the 1990 World Cup, but lost 1-0 to West Germany. He retired from football on his birthday in 1997.
Lessons from their Legacy and Mortality
On December 29, 2022, the world learnt of the death of Pelé. He was suffering for quite awhile with cancer and, during the early parts of December, was placed in Palliative care at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Despite not getting to actually see him play football, his impact, accomplishments and legacy made me admire him. So, naturally, I felt his death. His death also reminded me of the moment, two years ago, when I found out that Maradona died. That was on November 25, 2020. Both men paralleled each other in very interesting ways during their respective careers. Both led their clubs and countries to immense triumph. Both helped to spread the appeal of football globally. Both had a career that lasted 21 years. Both were even chosen as joint winners by FIFA for the prestigious “Footballer of the 20th Century” award. Both of them impacted the world so much that it seemed as if the planet stood still when they died.
It then led me to ask myself a serious question: “what legacy am I leaving behind?”. And, mind you, this is not to say that I want to leave a legacy like that left by Pelé and Maradona. After all, these men were footballers; I am not. These men were literally adored and worshipped by people. Me? Not so much (which is good actually). These men were also totally imperfect with many frailties (probably the only thing I have in common with them). I also consider that their impact was mainly in football and they inspired others to love the game and play it. But life goes beyond sport. Life has various facets to it that must be explored, ignored, overcome, pondered upon, and prepared for. Along the way, many mistakes can be made. Even these two men made many mistakes and suffered various obstacles. And then, there is the question of preparation for the life after this life. With both men now deceased, it begs the following two questions; “were they prepared?” and “where are they now?”.
I don’t have many accolades to my name. Those that I do possess and am most proud of would include being a “Believer”, “Husband”, “Father”, “Pastor”, and “Teacher”, as well as two creative titles – “Writer” and “Musician”. I don’t have goals scored or many trophies won. But I do see evidence of my legacy and impact. I see it in the God-given responsibilities that I have. My responsibility to my family’s well-being and development and to the spiritual development of my congregation helps me to see that my legacy is meant to be one that, though not globally revered, would echo beyond the limitations of this physical realm. A seemingly simple act of teaching Biblical truth can lead many to do the same and to even be prepared to live this life for God’s glory, and to be prepared for the life to come.
This then helps us to remember a fundamental truth; our mortality – it is appointed unto us “once” to die!
Pelé and Maradona went through various difficulties, controversies, and even made tragic mistakes. Also, despite their seeming invincibility in life, they both died from serious health issues. Despite the great things that they achieved, life was at times rough towards them and, eventually and inevitably, their bodies and health failed them. I see many young people today start careers (whether sports or otherwise) in the strength and vigour of their youth, and act as if the strength and vigour would last forever. Then, if this period of youthfulness isn’t managed well, when they become old, they begin adopting the most dreaded of conditions – regret!
I’m sure that these two great men, as accomplished as they were, still had personal regrets of some sort. And even if they didn’t, think about your own life as you read this. How would you want your story to be told? How would you want your legacy to be understood? How would you like to be remembered? Even more importantly – how would you want to end, well or regretful?
This shows that everyone, deep down inside, want their life to count for something. Everyone wants to live a life of true meaning. The lives that Pelé and Maradona lived seemed to be such by millions of people. But, for the follower of Christ, you know deep down inside that there is so much more. Living a Life of Meaning and true Impact, one that overcomes regret, stagnation and procrastinations must involve what I like to call “the three R’s”. It must involve (1) Revelation, (2) Responsibility, and (3) Radical Action. Such a life, as many of us have learnt and continue to learn, can only be accomplished through having a relationship with our Lord and Saviour (For more information, take a glance at my article “Living a Life of Meaning” – linked below – as it expounds more on these three R’s and what it means exactly to live a life of meaning).
Conclusion
The legacy that these men left is felt. Generations of football stars have come and gone and have all attributed the influence of these two giants of the sport to their success. Many will continue to mourn and remember them, reflecting on their prowess on the field through recorded footage on YouTube and other video streaming sites. For me, I will also mourn them. I love the sport so I must say that their departures are felt (even Maradona’s despite it being 2 years since his death). Pelé’s death occurred yesterday so it is quite the intricate processing of thoughts that must occur in my mind to wrap around it. After all, for many of us, this is the first time we’re knowing a world where Pelé isn’t in it.
But, even more than that, this is helping me to realise the importance of Legacy and considering one’s Mortality. No matter how vibrant, flamboyant, successful, skilful, or intelligent you are, your appointment with death is sure. Such an appointment doesn’t regard social status, monetary possessions, or influence. But, just as any other appointment, it does benefit those who are prepared.
Live a life of Legacy – a legacy for the glory of God! Live a life of Meaning – one of Revelation, Responsibility and Radical Action! Live a life of Wisdom – numbering your days and using them all wisely! For time truly flies faster than we all think, especially when it is wasted, and our eventual appointments are taken for granted.
R.I.P. Pelé (1940 – 2022)
R.I.P. Maradona (1960 – 2020)
Beacon Of Flavor 