Pelé famously used this phrase to title his 1977 autobiography, My Life and the Beautiful Game, cementing it globally as the ultimate affectionate nickname for soccer.

By signing with the Cosmos in 1975, Pelé brought unprecedented media attention to the North American Soccer League, sparking a massive surge in US youth soccer participation.

During the devastating Nigerian Civil War, a 48-hour truce was reportedly called between warring factions simply to allow fans to watch Pelé's club team, Santos FC, play.

While he did not invent this mid-air backward volley, his flawless execution made it his signature move, notably performing it in the 1981 film Escape to Victory.