Pele: Bringing Soccer to the U.S.
In Pele: Bringing Soccer to the U.S., sports journalist Clare Balding discusses Pele's contributions to the popularity of soccer. Pele’s last World Cup match in 1970 helped him emerge as a hero, and in 1971 he brought the game to the United States. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Lesson Express
Q: How was Pele able to make soccer popular in the United States?
A: Pele’s talent, fame, and contributions to soccer inspired a new generation in the U.S. to embrace the sport.
Q: How did Pele's achievements in the World Cup influence his legacy?
A: His World Cup victories established him as a global sports icon, making his move to the U.S. even more impactful.
Q: Why do you think soccer wasn't very popular in the U.S. before Pele's arrival?
A: American sports culture was already centered on football, baseball, and basketball; soccer was less well-known.
More Like This
In Pele: Pledge to His Father, sports journalist Clare Balding describes how Pele pledged to his father that he would help Brazil win the World Cup. She describes his childhood and rise to fame. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Pele: Pledge to His Father, sports journalist Clare Balding describes how Pele pledged to his father that he would help Brazil win the World Cup. She describes his childhood and rise to fame. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.