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Simon Chadwick, Professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy, SKEMA Business School

Pelé: a global superstar and cultural icon who put passion at the heart of soccer

Held aloft as the embodiment of the beautiful game. Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Pelé, soccer’s first global superstar, has died at the age of 82. To many fans, the Brazilian will be remembered as the best to have ever played the game.

For others it goes further: He was the symbol of soccer played with passion, gusto and a smile. Indeed, he helped to forge an image of the game, which even today lots of people continue to crave.

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