Q+a Pel�

Pel�

SI: The film begins, "The most famous man in the entire world is the Brazilian Pel�." Do you feel that's true?

Pel�: No, I don't feel it. I am sure! Pel� is connected with the biggest sport in the world. Football is the biggest family in the world.

SI: What is it like seeing footage of yourself so young?

Pel�: I get moments where I cry because I don't remember some goals. The first goal I scored in Maracana [a stadium in Rio de Janeiro] against Argentina, I was 16. I said, "My God, where did you find this goal? I am not this guy. This is a short guy, a very thin guy."

SI: How was playing in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden?

Pel�: Amazing. It was my first time traveling outside of Brazil. We were at a hotel that had a beautiful lake. And all the girls were topless! I was 17 years old, and I ran past hiding my eyes. I didn't want to look because it's not good for training. [Laughs.]

SI: You've said that if you were not a soccer player, you would be an actor.

Pel�: Yes, but when I was young I wanted to be a pilot. Now I travel more than any pilot.

SI: Is there a person you haven't met on your travels, but would like to?