Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the Brazillian superstar once visited Leeds and it was a day to remember for those lucky enough to meet the football legend.
And it was a visit which left people wondering - is Pelé a Leeds United fan? The football legend wore a Whites scarf when he visited Asda House in May 2006 to give a motivational talk to staff members and sign copies of his autobiography. The former Santos player won three World Cups with the Brazil national team, a feat no other footballer has achieved. At the time of his death on December 29, he was being treated at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo since November 29. He had been battling colon cancer since September 2021.
In a statement released by the hospital, he died at 3.27pm Brazilian time due to local organ failure as a result of his cancer.
7. Pelé in Leeds
Pelé was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) in 2000 and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record. Photo: Jim Moran
8. Pelé in Leeds
Pelé won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, the only player to do so. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for his country with 77 goals in 92 games. Photo: Jim Moran
9. Pelé in Leeds
Enjoy these photo memories from Pelé's visit to Leeds. PIC: Jim Moran Photo: Jim Moran
10. Pelé in Leeds
Pelé signs a get well soon message for Wayne Rooney who was recovering from a serious foot injury ahead of the 2006 World Cup. Photo: Tony Johnson