Pele Unfortunately he passed away in December 2022 after a battle with cancer.
of BrazilianConsidered by many to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, he was 82 at the time of his death.
Pele enjoyed an extraordinary football career, breaking record after record.
Many of the records he set still stand today.
But despite a career that has won three World Cups and scored hundreds of goals, Pele never won the Ballon d’Or.
This is because he was not eligible for the award while he was active.
The award was created in 1956, but non-European players were not eligible until the rules were changed in 1995.
Pele wins Honorary Ballon d’Or in 201Four
Pele may not have received ballon d’or In his career, he finally got it in 2014.
At the 2013 awards ceremony in Paris, the legendary Brazilian was awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or for his achievements in the sport.
Pele was very emotional when he was presented with the trophy.
After receiving a standing ovation, Pele could not hold back his tears and began explaining how this award meant to him.
VIDEO: Pele sheds tears after being awarded the Honorary Ballon d’Or in 2013
“I promised my family not to cry, but I am emotional,” he said. “First of all, I have to thank God for giving me the health to play for so many years.
“Of course I didn’t play alone. When people talk about their friends, they remember the players, but I must not forget the one who washed the shoes, the masseuse. I have many on my side. There was a good man, and I have to share this trophy with everyone.
“I got a lot of trophies and prizes, but I was jealous of the players who won the Ballon d’Or, which I didn’t get because I didn’t play in Europe. Thank God.”
Pele will be considered one of the greatest players to ever shine in the sport.
2022 World Cup Quiz: Name the 32 players who played for Qatar.
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(Soccer Terrace)
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