The discovery of Pelé: A story of destiny and greatness

Chapter I: Waldemar de Brito's Vision

In a quiet corner of Três Corações, Minas Gerais, a boy ran barefoot through the dusty streets. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, destined to become an immortal name: Pelé. A humble family and afternoons of play with an improvised ball wove the prelude to an epic story.

It was then that Waldemar de Brito appeared, a former gladiator of the football fields and now a talent scout. His keen eye detected a divine spark in that boy, a sacred fire illuminating every dribble and every shot. Waldemar, who had felt the echo of the stadium under his own feet, saw in Pelé something more than a prodigy: he saw destiny. "This boy will be the best footballer in the world," he proclaimed with a conviction that resonated like a prophecy.

Chapter II: The Journey to Santos and the Beginning of a Legend

The journey to Santos was not just a physical trip but a transition to a golden era. At just 15 years old, Pelé arrived at Santos FC, escorted by his mentor. Waldemar de Brito introduced the young player with a phrase that would become an emblem: "This boy will be the best footballer in the world." In September 1956, Pelé debuted with the first team, scoring a goal that was a harbinger of countless more to come.

Chapter III: The Birth of the King

The 1958 World Cup in Sweden was the stage where myth became reality. At 17 years old, Pelé conquered hearts and souls with his magic, scoring six goals, including a hat-trick in the semifinals against France and two goals in the final against Sweden. Brazil celebrated its first World Cup, and the world met its new king.

At Santos FC, Pelé not only played; he led, inspired, and defined an era. He won multiple Brazilian Championships, the Copa Libertadores, and the Intercontinental Cup, transforming each match into a work of art, each goal into an eternal signature.

Chapter IV: International Glory

Pelé was not content with one crown. In 1962 and 1970, Brazil once again rose as world champions, with Pelé as its heart and soul. The 1970 World Cup in Mexico was the pinnacle of his career, where Brazil, with a team considered the best of all time, won the final against Italy. Pelé, with his celestial play, led the way.

Chapter V: The American Adventure

In 1975, Pelé crossed the Atlantic to join the New York Cosmos in the NASL. His arrival was not just a signing; it was a revolution. He popularized soccer in the United States, attracting other greats of the game and planting the seed of an American soccer dream.

Chapter VI: The King's Trophies

Pelé accumulated trophies as a monarch builds his empire:

- World Cups (3): 1958, 1962, 1970

- Copa Libertadores (2): 1962, 1963

- Intercontinental Cups (2): 1962, 1963

- Brazilian Championships (6): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968

- Copa do Brasil (5): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

- State Trophies (10): Campeonato Paulista (1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969)

Chapter VII: The Mentor and the Myth

Waldemar de Brito, born on May 17, 1913, in São Paulo, had been a footballer and played in the 1934 World Cup. But his greatest legacy was discovering Pelé, seeing the spark of the divine in that boy from Três Corações. De Brito not only gave him a chance; he gave him wings to fly.

Chapter VIII: The Philosophy of Data and the Future

Monchi, sporting director of Sevilla FC, reflects on how data analysis has revolutionized scouting in football. “Data is key, right? It’s fundamental,” he says. In 2000, when Monchi started, data was rudimentary, but today, platforms like Wyscout allow for the management of large volumes of information.

Monchi has implemented an R&D department in Sevilla, employing mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and analysts. This cutting-edge approach is essential to gain a competitive edge in modern football. “Those who turn their backs on data fall behind,” explains Monchi. The integration of video analysis and objective data is crucial for success.

Monchi emphasizes the importance of long-term work in scouting, allowing for quick reactions in the short term. “The long term allows you to master the short term,” he asserts. Examples like Julien Escudé and Kanouté illustrate how long-term knowledge and preparation are vital for success in the transfer market.

Epilogue: An Eternal Legacy

The story of Pelé and Waldemar de Brito is a testament to the power of talent and proper guidance. From humble beginnings in Três Corações to the grandest stages of world football, Pelé not only met expectations but exceeded them. His legacy endures in trophies and goals, and in the inspiration he continues to offer new generations of footballers.

In Monchi's words, football is both an art and a science, where talent must be discovered, nurtured, and guided. In Pelé and de Brito, we find a story of destiny and greatness, a story that resonates in every corner of the football world.

Gandini Marcos