By Mohammed Elrashed Sidahmed Mohammed*
Brazil was not sad after being eliminated from the Qatar World Cup, considered the most beautiful ever, as much as it was in the last days of 2022 after the loss of world football legend Pelé, also known as “the Black Jewel.” I wished the sixth world championship would have been the most remarkable gift the Brazilian team could offer the king of football before his departure. Just as Thomas Edison conceived the light bulb to brighten the world, one of the greatest inventions in history, the Brazilian Edson was not satisfied with being recognized only by a simple light bulb, whose lighting was limited in time and space. Therefore, he shone in the football world and became a “halo of light,” owner of a universal flame that will never go out, even after his unfortunate death.
With his departure, condolence ceremonies occurred across the world. Not only Brazil mourned, since Pelé is the son of the world. His pictures remain preserved in every home, town, village, and club. When we were kids, our parents constantly asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. The answer was unanimous: We want to be like Pelé. Yes, after a long battle with cancer, Pelé’s soul separated from his body; however, his flame will always remain lit among us. Therefore, nothing fairer than calling him an “Immortal Legend.” The promise Pelé made to his father was fulfilled even before he turned 17 when the world watched tears streaming down his eyes as he lifted the world cup. This image filled the hearts of young people all over the world with joy and taught them the power of will is capable of performing miracles. For that reason, Pelé will always be considered the inspirational king and emperor of the world’s youth.
Pelé was the link between me and Brazil. I did not know this country. I had never heard about the carnival, considered the most popular celebration in the country. I had never been to the Amazon, nor had I experienced the taste of Brazilian coffee and barbecue. I hadn’t even tasted typical local foods like tapioca and feijoada. In my conception, Brazil was Pelé, and Pelé was Brazil. He made the world appreciate football. He gave shine and beauty to the green rectangle that forms the football pitch where many nations play. Considered the king of records, Pelé had in his career, in addition to thousands of goals, and three world cups, being the youngest player to reach this achievement.
When I arrived in Brazilian lands, one dream surrounded me. Finding the legend Pelé and reaching my hand to him so I could finally say: Now I’m shaking hands with history. My hands touch the one who conquered the glories; I am in front of the king of championships and magic. I’m honoring the man who was once my answer to my middle school teacher’s question about who my favorite player was. Without hesitation, I replied: Pelé and no one but him can be the best; he is one of the main icons who will leave a memorable legacy, and his sublime legend will be eternal. He was an example of morality on the field and valued fair play. He needed no subterfuge to generate enchantment and never purposely hurt opponents for an easy victory. However, he understood he could win with merit and honor, not needing to produce the deplorable scenes that are common today.
The legend Pelé visited my country, Sudan, in 1973, playing at the time for Santos football club. I take this opportunity to convey to his family the most sincere condolences of the fans and Sudanese people, and I am not referring to his small family because he is the son of the world; therefore, he is admired by a considerable number of football lovers. Sumptuous was his arrival in Khartoum, with a reception worthy of a “King.” He hadn’t believed he had fans and lovers in that far-off corner of Africa. For the first time in history, the Sudanese crowd did not support their own team. The preponderant Pelé on the pitch made the country’s fans cheer for this magnificent player. Yes, the Sudanese team lost, but the fans left the stadium joyfully. How not to chant when faced with this great inspiration? His trip to Sudan, which coincided with the country’s civil war, brought the conflict to a halt, encouraging opponents to get rid of their weapons and head to the pitch so they could watch the football legend together. Due to the fact he greatly valued peace, Pelé had that as a great attribute, and his great intention was to be able to disseminate it throughout the world.
Brazilian greatness and strength are due to the country’s unparalleled diversity. Characterized as a multiethnic country, Brazil comprises many different peoples and cultures, among which we can mention: Europeans, Africans, and Asians. This mix brings us to a metaphor. Brazil is big, but the world is small. Brazil has managed to transform this diversity into a source of unity, inspiration, and strength, rather than the conflicts seen in certain regions. Such diversity is also present in its typical climate, splendid forests, birds flying over the blue sky characteristic of Brazil, and other animals, such as those with the sea as their natural habitat. An abundant diversity like this allows us to believe Brazil can give the world a thousand “Pelés.” And it enables future generations to witness the birth of the next King, renewing in us the memory of our first love, our greatest inspiration, the renowned Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
Some stories state “Koh-i-Noor” is the most valuable jewel in the world; however, we claim Pele is the most worthy among all gems, therefore, a legend of world football. He is much more than a simple jewel adorning a king’s crown or a prince’s ring; he is a spiritual jewel that dwells in our souls, coloring them with vast hope, love, and peace. It is the jewel of the ambitions of young dreamers. King, may his soul rest in peace. The love we feel for you will make your journey eternal.
*Mohammed Elrashed Sidahmed Mohammed is the charge d’affaires of the Sudanese embassy in Brasilia and plenipotentiary minister.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
The opinions expressed in the articles are the responsibility of the authors.
