Pele: Presented by Legend of Sport
#1 of 9 in Legend of Sports Collection Series
What’s inside...
Meet Pelé, the boy who loved soccer so much that he never gave up on his dream, no matter how hard things got. Pelé grew up in the slums of Brazil, but he always had a ball at his feet. He practiced for hours every day, and he soon became one of the best players in his neighborhood. When he was 15 years old, he was offered a contract to play for Santos FC, one of the most famous teams in Brazil. Pelé quickly became a star at Santos, and he helped the team win several championships. He also led Brazil to victory in the 1958 World Cup, when he was just 17 years old. Pelé went on to win two more World Cups with Brazil, and he scored over 1,000 goals in his career. Pelé was more than just a great soccer player. He was also a kind and generous person who used his fame to help others. He founded a charity to help poor children in Brazil, and he spoke out against racism and discrimination.
Discussion points
Why do you think Pele is considered a legend in sports?
What qualities do you think made Pele successful both on and off the soccer field?
How do Pele's achievements inspire you in your own activities or sports?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard like Pele to achieve a goal?
What does the story of Pele teach us about teamwork and perseverance?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Pele's challenges and successes, highlight the importance of perseverance and hard work.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own experiences in sports or activities and Pele's journey.
Discuss the significance of sportsmanship and humility as demonstrated by Pele throughout his career.
Share your own experiences or favorite moments in sports, relating them to the themes in the book to foster a deeper connection.
Use the discussion to instill values such as dedication, teamwork, and respect for others, emphasizing how these values contribute to success in life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: The story of Pele showcases his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest soccer players, highlighting his persistent efforts and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently working hard towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, emphasizing that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: As a soccer player, Pele's achievements were not solitary; they were also the results of collaboration and synchrony with his teammates, teaching the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cooperate in group activities or team sports, illustrating that collective effort often achieves more than individual pursuits.
Example Lesson: Respect and Sportsmanship
Explanation: Throughout his career, Pele displayed great respect towards his teammates, opponents, and the sport, promoting fair play.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat others with respect, play fair, and handle both victory and defeat gracefully, important in their interactions at school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Pele's international career exposed him to various cultures and communities, highlighting the beauty of global diversity.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to be open to learning about different cultures through literature, festivals, and friendships, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Inspiration and Influence
Explanation: Pele inspired countless individuals and future athletes around the world with his skill and passion for soccer.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to inspire others in their community by pursuing their passions and sharing their skills, promoting positive influence within their circles.