When Pele kicked football in Kolkata against Mohun Bagan
It is nearly impossible to discern who is the greatest football player, whether it is Pele or is it, Maradona. However, contemporary football-loving masses never care the least about it and perhaps would envy their predecessors for being alive and breathing in a generation when these legends scaled heights with absolute magnetism and life.
Watching Pele, there was this mysticism, a charm, and an aura of dynamism that orbited around him. Also known as a 'Black Pearl', Pele was known for his ability to anticipate opponents in the area and finish off chances with an accurate and powerful shot with either foot.
Perhaps this drove tens and thousands of fans to his first-ever visit to India in 1977. Never seen in flesh and blood, a packed stadium in Kolkata awaited in patience to catch a glimpse of one of the greatest sporting icons of the 20th century.
Pele came to India during the last laps of his career while playing for the famous New York Cosmos. Pele and his teammates flew down to Kolkata to take the mighty Mohun Bagan side of the 70s in a friendly tie at the Eden Gardens on September 25. The Brazilian, who led Brazil to three World Cup titles, did earn a massive fan following for his heroics in the ultimate platform of football. Despite playing less than 30 minutes, Pele did enough to mesmerize the football-frenzied fans in the stands, swiftly making turns and showing off his skills.
Pele faced a Mohun Bagan team comprising stars like Subrata Bhattacharya, Subhas Bhowmick, Shyam Thapa, Gautam Sarkar, Pradip Chowdhury, Bidesh Bose, Shibaji Banerjee, and coached by the legendary late PK Banerjee. Despite his age, Pele did show his flair, enough for Indian football fans to applaud in awe the magic of 'Athlete of the Century.'
The Brazilian announced his retirement in 1974, but in 1975, agreed to a 3-year, 7 million dollar contract with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League and to promote the game in the United States. He retired after leading the Cosmos to the league championship in 1977. Pele scored 37 goals in 64 appearances for Cosmos.
Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after battling bowel cancer.