FORGET Maradona, Cruyff and Ronaldinho Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (or Pele) is the greatest footballer of all time.
That simple truth is what makes his autobiography so compelling. It is the story of a poor Brazilian boy who learned his trade on the rough streets of his native country and took his talent to the highest level.
He played in two World Cup finals winning both and scored an astonishing 1,283 goals in 1,367 games in a two-decade career. Recounted in riveting detail, Pele's autobiography is an essential read.
The book is surprisingly modest in tone, given what he achieved. Translated from Portuguese, it is a graceful story which never embellishes on fact or becomes bullish.
Pele comes across on TV screens as endearing, and that is also the case in print showing why, at 65, the world still loves him.
This is the story of an incredible life, from a man who transcended football.
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