On a sad day for world football with the passing of Diego Maradona, we’re posting a timely feature article from Issue 6 of the Póg Mo Goal Magazine. Maradona’s second goal against England in 1986 is seen by many as the greatest ever and spawned iconic commentary around the world, including Ireland.
There’s an Irish sporting myth that broadcasting legend Jimmy Magee can claim some small credit for Edson Arantes do Nascimento becoming known as Pelé. Similarly the Memory Man also had a part to play in the rechristening of Ireland’s new keeper of the faith.
He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but is known throughout the world simply as Pelé. The origin of the nickname given to the man who just celebrated his 73rd birthday is far from certain, but, as ever, an Irish footballing myth gained legs over the years. With a movie on his life now shooting in Brazil, could the story make it to the big screen?