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Work of art

Pelé electrified the game with unsurpassed skill and grace

He stopped a civil war, he was declared a national treasure by his native Brazil and Pelé helped his country to an unprecedented three World Cup titles (1958, '62 and '70). Pelé is acknowledged as the most popular player ever in the world's most popular sport, a man who even managed to get soccer-ignorant Americans excited about the game.

  • SI Flashback: Soccer's greatest genius

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    Century's Best Guidelines
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    From Sports Illustrated
      • Top 20 dynasties
      • Your Take: Dynasties we left out
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      • Bill Russell speaks out

    SI's Leigh Montville
      • Who is the Century's Best?

    SI's Frank Deford
      • The Best Years of Our Lives

    From CNN/SI:
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    Archive
      • Round of two
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      • Pelé's greatest accomplishment
      • Best goalie
      • Deciding ties
      • World Cup changes

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