Beijing time in the early morning of December 30, the ball king Pele died of colon cancer due to multiple organ failure at the age of 82 years old. Looking back on the ball king's magnificent life, 21 years of career, 1366 games, 1283 goals, leading Brazil to realize the World Cup title defense, three times to win the World Cup, are insurmountable records.
In fact, as early as the 1970s, King Pele had a relationship with Chinese soccer.
In 1977, the New York Universe organized an Asian tour for Pele's farewell season. After the Japan tour, King Pele led the New York Universe to visit China. During his stay in China, Pele and his teammates went to places of interest and played two friendly matches with the Chinese men's soccer team. In addition, they played against Shanghai at the Jiangwan Stadium.
At that time, Ballon d'Or winner Pele was very impressed with China's Rong Zhixing, praising him. "He is a world-class player." . He also exchanged jerseys with Rong Zhixing after the match.
In 1991, FIFA President Avelange came to China again accompanied by King Pele. This time, they came to help organize the first Women's World Cup in Guangzhou.
The first Women's World Cup featured 12 teams, including Denmark, Norway, the United States, Sweden, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Nigeria and Chinese Taipei.The 12 teams were divided into three groups of four teams each. The matches were arranged in four cities: Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Foshan and Jiangmen.
In the group stage, the Chinese women's soccer team was placed in Group A along with Denmark, Norway and New Zealand. The Chinese women's soccer girls got off to a good start by beating Norway 4-0 in their first match. They then came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Denmark and finally beat New Zealand 4-1 to top the group with two wins and a draw and advance to the semifinals.
Unfortunately, in the next quarter-final, the Chinese women's soccer team lost 0-1 to Sweden, and eventually finished fifth in the first World Cup.
Entering the millennium, King Pele came to China for several visits in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015 to participate in various social activities. In March 2002, King Pele still demonstrated his skills with cuju at the foot of the Badaling Great Wall.
Within three years, the two kings of the world, Maradona and Pele, have left us one after another, which is really saddening!
May there be no pain in heaven!
