Pelé

Written by Eddy Simon · Illustrated by Vincent Brascaglia

From poverty to global fame, a young soccer prodigy changes the world.

3.6 Goodreads · 281 ratings

144 pages· 12,711 words· Est. 2.5 hour read· GN700L

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In the slums of Sao Paulo, a boy named Pelé dreams beyond his means, crafting soccer balls from newspaper. By fifteen, he signs his first professional contract, and soon, the world knows him as 'The King.' As Pelé leads Brazil to World Cup glory, he becomes more than a sports icon—he's a global ambassador for unity. This graphic novel captures his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom, exploring how one man's passion for 'the beautiful game' transcends borders and unites people worldwide. Can Pelé's legacy inspire a new generation?

From the publisher

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to his schoolmates as Pelé, grew up in poverty in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil. He was too poor to afford a real soccer ball, so he played with a ball of newspaper tied together with string. Yet he dominated the youth leagues and signed his first professional soccer contract at the age of fifteen. Within two years he was celebrated internationally, when he led Brazil to victory at the world cup. Known by his fans as “O Rei” (The King), Pelé is widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time. But he’s more than just an athlete: he also traveled the world as goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Pelé is the living symbol of a sport he dubbed “the beautiful game”–a game that brings people together regardless of race or nationality. In the graphic novel Pele: The King of Soccer, Eddy Simon and Vincent Brascaglia beautifully depict Pele’s rise from the slums of Brazil to the national stage.

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