WEBVTT 00:01.866 --> 00:04.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% JUDY WOODRUFF: Soccer fans around the world are in mourning tonight over the news that 00:04.233 --> 00:07.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the Brazilian soccer legend Pele died today. 00:07.833 --> 00:12.833 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He was the face of the global game for decades and helped to shape soccer into what's known 00:13.566 --> 00:15.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as the beautiful game. 00:15.033 --> 00:17.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Laura Barron-Lopez has this look back at his legacy. 00:17.566 --> 00:22.566 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: The paralleled athlete and only player to have ever won three World 00:24.133 --> 00:28.500 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Cups died at a hospital in Sao Paulo with his family by his side. 00:28.500 --> 00:33.500 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% His daughter recently shared this image on social media captioned: "Another night together," 00:34.933 --> 00:36.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% holding on to precious last moments with her father. 00:36.900 --> 00:41.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Pele had been hospitalized since the end of November, receiving care for colon cancer 00:41.600 --> 00:46.266 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% that doctors say had advanced in the last week, as well as a respiratory infection that 00:46.266 --> 00:48.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% stemmed from COVID-19. 00:48.700 --> 00:53.666 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% In addition to the World Cups he won in 1958, 1962, and 1970, Pele will be remembered as 00:55.733 --> 00:58.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the most prolific scorer the game has ever known. 00:58.966 --> 01:03.933 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He boasts two Guinness world records, including for his nearly 1,300 career goals. 01:06.200 --> 01:08.966 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% And his 77 goals in just over 90 international matches is a record achievement for the Brazilian 01:09.933 --> 01:12.033 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% national team. 01:12.033 --> 01:16.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Above all, Pele will remain an indelible icon and perhaps the sport's greatest ambassador. 01:19.566 --> 01:24.133 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Outside the hospital and all across Brazil, legions of fans have gathered in the streets 01:24.133 --> 01:27.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in solemn vigil in recent days to pay their respects. 01:27.700 --> 01:32.700 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And, at the latest World Cup, many more spoke of what he meant to Brazil, to the game, and 01:33.900 --> 01:35.400 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% to the world. 01:35.400 --> 01:38.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MAN: Pele represents what we are, where we came from. 01:38.566 --> 01:40.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Pele is our roots. 01:40.200 --> 01:41.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's what we are today. 01:41.900 --> 01:43.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's thanks to him. 01:43.566 --> 01:48.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Pele was 82 years old. 01:49.966 --> 01:52.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Some further perspective now on Pele and his impact. 01:52.033 --> 01:55.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% J.J. Devaney is the co-host of the soccer podcast "Caught Offside." 01:55.400 --> 01:57.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% J.J., thanks for joining the "NewsHour." 01:57.800 --> 01:59.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I wanted to ask you. 01:59.033 --> 02:01.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Pele is known as the king of soccer. 02:01.833 --> 02:06.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% But, for contemporary fans, they may not always know his impact on the sport. 02:06.600 --> 02:11.600 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% How can they see his legacy and potentially some of his signature moves on the field today? 02:13.500 --> 02:15.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY, Co-Host, "Caught Offside": Well, it's funny you mention that. 02:15.566 --> 02:19.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% I was watching a TikTok today that compared Pele's signature moves and how he did a lot 02:21.666 --> 02:25.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% of what the modern players are doing right now way before they even did it. 02:25.800 --> 02:28.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So, he was an iconic player. 02:28.466 --> 02:33.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He was a player who brought this beautiful game to the masses, and particularly in the 02:33.233 --> 02:38.233 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% 1970 World Cup, which was the first World Cup with a big television scope across the globe. 02:40.466 --> 02:44.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And, I mean, you ask anybody who's a soccer fan, they will still know who Pele is, even 02:44.566 --> 02:46.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if they never saw him play, people like me. 02:46.533 --> 02:49.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: In all, Pele won three World Cups. 02:49.200 --> 02:50.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% No other player has done that. 02:50.933 --> 02:54.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And detractors say that he -- the game was slower then. 02:54.966 --> 02:57.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You have said that it was actually rougher then. 02:57.566 --> 03:02.533 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% So does that -- all of that taken together elevate him to be one of the greatest in the world? 03:04.533 --> 03:06.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY: Yes, it's very difficult to compare eras, and it's almost not fair. 03:06.566 --> 03:11.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% But I would say, in terms of skill and the ability and the attacking prowess that he 03:12.766 --> 03:14.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% had, he could have played in any era. 03:14.866 --> 03:18.733 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And in the modern era, he would have had the benefits of tougher referees, a less brutal game. 03:21.800 --> 03:26.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% I don't think it's fair to compare eras, but if you look at his skill during those iconic 03:26.600 --> 03:31.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% matches, his goal against Sweden as a 17-year-old in his first World Cup in 1958 was absolutely 03:33.600 --> 03:36.433 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% stunning in the final, where he flicks it over a player, goes around and scores on the 03:36.433 --> 03:38.400 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% far side. 03:38.400 --> 03:41.900 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Those are timeless, timeless moves, and something that inspired generations afterwards. 03:41.900 --> 03:46.433 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: He also off the field was seen as this global ambassador of the 03:46.433 --> 03:49.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% game, something that he did for decades. 03:49.400 --> 03:54.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Can you talk about his appeal and how he helped spread soccer in the U.S. and elsewhere? 03:55.866 --> 03:58.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY: Well, yes, he -- I interviewed him in 2016. 03:58.866 --> 04:03.833 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And he told me about how he had retired from the game and he spoke to Henry Kissinger in 04:06.266 --> 04:10.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% Brazil, who persuaded him to come to the NASL, the North American Soccer League, to the New 04:11.100 --> 04:12.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% York Cosmos. 04:12.100 --> 04:14.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And that had a profound effect. 04:14.566 --> 04:18.466 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% OK, it didn't have an effect on soccer becoming a major professional sport at that moment 04:20.400 --> 04:23.466 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% in the United States, but it inspired people who saw him throughout his time in the U.S. 04:23.466 --> 04:27.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And, also, he became almost a global ambassador for the game. 04:27.566 --> 04:31.900 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Wherever there was a World Cup, wherever there was a big game, you saw Pele promoting the game. 04:31.900 --> 04:36.200 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% He was a regular visitor to the White House as well under three or four different administrations. 04:36.200 --> 04:40.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Pele was there promoting charities, but also promoting the game of soccer. 04:40.800 --> 04:42.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He became synonymous with soccer. 04:42.833 --> 04:46.733 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Whether you knew a little about the game, nothing about the game, or a lot about the 04:46.733 --> 04:51.733 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% game, Pele was the face of the World Cup and of soccer, not just Brazilian soccer. 04:53.700 --> 04:56.666 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: And one unique thing about his career is that Pele didn't -- he did not 04:56.666 --> 05:00.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% go on to play in European clubs for more money. 05:00.300 --> 05:04.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And he toured with the Brazilian team in exhibition matches. 05:04.200 --> 05:06.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Why did he do this? 05:06.200 --> 05:08.866 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Did it simply come down to the fact that he was deeply connected to Brazil? 05:08.866 --> 05:13.866 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY: That was part of it, but, also, the Brazilian government at the time, in the early 05:15.933 --> 05:18.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% '60s, seeing what an amazing player they had from the '58 World Cup, they decided that 05:18.566 --> 05:23.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% they would put almost a national treasure order on him, meaning he couldn't be taken 05:25.500 --> 05:28.700 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% abroad by other player -- by other clubs, other richer clubs, maybe in the European game. 05:30.633 --> 05:34.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He toured with Santos for years, and played a lot of games and exhibition matches. 05:35.800 --> 05:39.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So that kind of spread the profile -- spread his profile. 05:39.400 --> 05:44.000 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% But when I spoke to him in 2016, he said there was a lot of interest from Juventus, from 05:44.000 --> 05:48.700 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Real Madrid towards the end of his career, but he couldn't leave because the Brazilian 05:48.700 --> 05:52.500 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% government didn't want him to, but also because he didn't want to. 05:52.500 --> 05:56.866 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: When you interviewed him in 2016, is there something that particularly 05:56.866 --> 05:58.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% stood out to you about his personality? 05:58.733 --> 06:01.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY: His warmth. 06:01.300 --> 06:05.966 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He took my hand at the start of the interview, because he knew I was a little bit overawed 06:05.966 --> 06:08.000 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% by his presence. 06:08.000 --> 06:10.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But he had a deep, warm voice. 06:10.466 --> 06:12.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% He had a charisma. 06:12.533 --> 06:16.933 align:left position:20% line:71% size:70% He was at that point a granddad-style figure, but he still had an aura and a strength and 06:16.933 --> 06:18.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% a presence around him. 06:18.433 --> 06:22.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And as humble as he was, he also knew he was great. 06:22.866 --> 06:24.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And that struck me. 06:24.900 --> 06:29.300 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Can you also tell us about his relationship with Brazilian players and, 06:31.733 --> 06:35.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% in particular, Neymar, someone who as -- as you have said, it's difficult to compare eras, 06:35.800 --> 06:40.800 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% but how exactly did they bond when -- as Neymar has been playing? 06:43.366 --> 06:46.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% J.J. DEVANEY: Well, if you just look at contemporary players, like the great players we talk about 06:46.033 --> 06:51.033 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% today, Kylian Mbappe, about their -- the wonderful tributes that they paid, they recognize Pele 06:53.066 --> 06:57.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% as the first global soccer star, the -- a player who transcended all sports. 07:00.066 --> 07:03.300 align:left position:10% line:71% size:80% I think his relationship with Brazilian soccer players, if Pele said something down the decades, 07:04.500 --> 07:06.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it was listened to, and it carried great weight. 07:06.666 --> 07:11.500 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% He spoke to me about Neymar in 2016, and he said that there was maybe only two or three 07:11.500 --> 07:15.566 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% really great players in the world, whereas, when he played, he thought there were many, 07:15.566 --> 07:16.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% many more. 07:16.900 --> 07:18.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So he had a high regard for Neymar. 07:18.900 --> 07:23.533 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% If -- I think Pele liked to consider himself the best of the best, and that no Brazilian 07:24.733 --> 07:27.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% player, really, since he played came close. 07:27.100 --> 07:29.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Pele's career was truly transcendent. 07:29.466 --> 07:31.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% J.J. Devaney, thank you for your time. 07:31.466 --> 07:32.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% J.J. DEVANEY: Good to be with you, Laura.