First Thing: football legend Pelé, who brought soccer to US, dies aged 82
Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil, scored a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games. Plus, legal weed in New York
Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here
Good morning.
Pelé, the Brazilian virtuoso whose captivating skill and athleticism ensured he was universally regarded as one of football’s greatest players, has died at the age of 82.
‘A golden glow’. Pelé radiated a simpler special quality than the handful of footballers generally thought of as his peers – and one which made a more instant appeal to the eye and the heart: the quality of joy.
‘A non-exportable national treasure’. After 1970 he was probably the most famous man in world sport, with only Muhammad Ali as instantly recognisable and universally idolised.
‘Corporate greed’. The report “documents the atypical FDA review process and corporate greed that preceded FDA’s controversial decision to grant accelerated approval”, said a statement from one senior Democratic congressman.
