The world lost legendary footballer Pele, who modernized the sport, on Friday, December 30, 2022. Health reports during the preceding month showed that the veteran received terminal hospital treatment. The end of his life occurred today where he received terminal care at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo after his cancer battle.

Football world considers Pele to be the ultimate player in history and the “Greatest Of All Time”. Football bears a debt of gratitude to his unique contributions. Through his example he demonstrated that football works beyond being a sport because it creates artistic opportunities for enjoyment. Through his achievements he turned Brazil into a globally recognized nation while motivating generations of young people to seek football as their life’s work.

PELE- The man who stopped a war

Pele also had incredible powers as he could mesmerise people through his art of playing football. He is also the man who stopped a war.

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, was fought between 5th July 1967 to 13th January 1970. The war caused the death of 1-2 million people.

However when Brazilian football giants Santos landed in Benin City to face a Central West State side, Nigerian Super Eagles, astonishingly, a 48-hour ceasefire was called between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra on 4th February 1969 so they could watch Pele. The game ended in a 2-2 draw with Pele receiving incessant applause and a standing ovation from the home fans.

“All I know is we went to #Nigeria, played a game which we drew 2-2, and then flew out again. It is said that there really was a 48-hour ceasefire in the war, made just for us, and my team-mates remember seeing white flags & posters saying there’d be peace just to see Pele play.” pic.twitter.com/qIl6alaxSv
— Nigeria (@Nigeria) December 30, 2022

Pele’s greatest pride

Recently, two years ago, Pele took to Twitter and called the ceasefire during the Nigerian Civil War one of his “greatest pride“.

Pele wrote: “I learned as a kid, with my father Dondinho, that football is an instrument for good.”

“He taught me that lesson when he saw me dribbling a weaker opponent without any need and asked me to always respect my rivals. I took that for life, always using my talent for love and peace.”

“I always tried to send this message, as a football player and as a man. One of my greatest pride was to have stopped a war in Nigeria, in 1969, in one the many football tours that Santos made around the world.”

“We were asked to play a friendly match on Benin City, in the middle of a Civil War, but Santos was so beloved that they agreed on a ceasefire on the matchday. It became known as the day that ‘Santos stopped the war’.”

FAQs

When did Pele die?

Pele the Brazillian legend died on 30th December 2022.

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PELE: The Man Who Stopped a War – Know all the details here!