Pelé was ensnared by 'Brazilian-style racism' but stood firm as dictatorship tried to keep him playing

Pelé inspired millions with his exploits on the soccer pitch, but also had to confront power to extract himself from the sport's social constraints. Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Following the death of arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, Prof José Paulo Florenzano of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo considers Pelé’s incredible legacy off the field. This article was originally written in Portuguese.

Pelé occupies a central, albeit problematic, place in the construction and affirmation of Brazil’s national identity. His role in helping forge the identity of modern Brazil has roots in helping the country win the World Cup in Sweden in 1958 and in the global role taken on soon after by his club team, Santos.