<p>Football legend Pele is experiencing "a kind of depression" and barely leaves home anymore because health problems have left him unable to walk normally, his son said in an interview published Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peles-last-number-10-brazil-jersey-sold-for-30000-euros-in-italy-266670">Pele's last Number 10 Brazil jersey sold for 30,000 euros in Italy</a></p>

<p>"He's pretty fragile in terms of his mobility... and that makes him suffer a kind of depression," Edinho said of his 79-year-old father, who has had a series of health problems in recent years.</p>

<p>"Just imagine, he's the 'King,' he was always such an imposing figure, and now he can't walk normally. He gets very shy, very embarrassed about that," his son said in an interview published on the sports news site Globoesporte.com.</p>

<p>Pele, the pride of Brazilian football and the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time.</p>

<p>He has been in and out of the hospital in recent years for various health issues.</p>

<p>He never fully recovered from one of his hip operations, leaving him dependent on a walker, Edinho said.</p>

<p>"He's doing a bit better than when he was in a wheelchair recently, but he still has a hard time getting around," said Edinho, 49.</p>

<p>Pele's public appearances have grown increasingly rare with age.</p>

<p>Last April he travelled to Paris for a promotional appearance with French rising star Kylian Mbappe but had to be hospitalized shortly after for kidney problems.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at <a href="https://twitter.com/Hublot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hublot</a> event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company! /Estive com <a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KMbappe</a> e seus pais ontem à noite, durante um evento da <a href="https://twitter.com/Hublot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hublot</a> em Paris. Falamos sobre gols, Copas do Mundo e relógios. Grande encontro! <a href="https://t.co/U63hLWy0mV">pic.twitter.com/U63hLWy0mV</a></p>
— Pelé (@Pele) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pele/status/1113403869416050688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 2014, he was placed in intensive care for dialysis after contracting a severe urinary infection.</p>

<p>The Brazilian great, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, has only one kidney, after a broken rib during a match forced doctors to remove the other.</p>

<p>He has also suffered a series of hip problems.</p>

<p>Edinho said despite those issues his father is "doing well" physically.</p>


Football legend Pele is experiencing "a kind of depression" and barely leaves home anymore because health problems have left him unable to walk normally, his son said in an interview published Monday.

Football legend Pele is experiencing "a kind of depression" and barely leaves home anymore because health problems have left him unable to walk normally, his son said in an interview published Monday. Also read: Pele's last Number 10 Brazil jersey sold for 30,000 euros in Italy "He's pretty fragile in terms of his mobility... and that makes him suffer a kind of depression," Edinho said of his 79-year-old father, who has had a series of health problems in recent years. "Just imagine, he's the 'King,' he was always such an imposing figure, and now he can't walk normally. He gets very shy, very embarrassed about that," his son said in an interview published on the sports news site Globoesporte.com. Pele, the pride of Brazilian football and the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. He has been in and out of the hospital in recent years for various health issues. He never fully recovered from one of his hip operations, leaving him dependent on a walker, Edinho said. "He's doing a bit better than when he was in a wheelchair recently, but he still has a hard time getting around," said Edinho, 49. Pele's public appearances have grown increasingly rare with age. Last April he travelled to Paris for a promotional appearance with French rising star Kylian Mbappe but had to be hospitalized shortly after for kidney problems. I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company! /Estive com @KMbappe e seus pais ontem à noite, durante um evento da @Hublot em Paris. Falamos sobre gols, Copas do Mundo e relógios. Grande encontro! pic.twitter.com/U63hLWy0mV — Pelé (@Pele) April 3, 2019 × In 2014, he was placed in intensive care for dialysis after contracting a severe urinary infection. The Brazilian great, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, has only one kidney, after a broken rib during a match forced doctors to remove the other. He has also suffered a series of hip problems. Edinho said despite those issues his father is "doing well" physically.

Pele depressed, reclusive due to poor health, says son

<p>Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions.</p>

<p>Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues.</p>

<p>He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28.</p>

<p>“Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian.</p>

<p>In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have?</strong></p>

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<p>“The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.”</p>

<p>Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover.</p>

<p>“We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport</a></strong></p>

<p>Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan..</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-says-massacre-by-israel-is-to-hide-its-setback-654021">Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback</a></strong></p>

<p>The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views".</p>

<p>“I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.</p>


Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions. Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues. He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28. “Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian. In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar. Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have? × “The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.” Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover. “We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.” Also Read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan.. Also Read | Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X. The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views". “I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.

Pele's last Number 10 Brazil jersey sold for 30,000 euros in Italy

<p>Diego Maradona wished his fellow living legend Pele a speedy recovery Wednesday, posting a picture on Instagram of the two football greats in 1979.</p>

<p>"This picture is 40 years old today. It was taken in Rio de Janeiro, when we met each other in person. How young we were.... I wish you a very speedy recovery, King @Pele," said the Argentine great, currently the coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados.</p>

<p>The picture shows an 18-year-old Maradona, his face aglow, watching Pele, then 38, play the guitar.</p>

<p>The two players are often cited as rivals for the title of greatest footballer of all time, fueling the larger and never-ending rivalry between Brazil and Argentina.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDkBQwlmvA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading&amp;utm_campaign=embed_locale_test" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Hoy esta foto cumplió 40 años. Fue en Río de Janeiro, cuando nos conocimos personalmente. Qué jóvenes que estábamos... Te deseo una muy pronta recuperación Rey @Pele, mucha fuerza!!! ⚽️💪</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maradona/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading&amp;utm_campaign=embed_locale_test" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Diego Maradona</a> (@maradona) on <time datetime="2019-04-10T00:55:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 9, 2019 at 5:55pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Pele, now 78, returned to his native Brazil Tuesday after being hospitalized six days in Paris for a severe urinary infection. Exiting the airport in a wheelchair, he was taken to a hospital in Sao Paulo, where he was placed under observation.</p>

<p>Pele, the only footballer to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), has suffered from increasingly fragile health in recent years.</p>

<p>In 2014, he was hospitalized in intensive care for another urinary tract infection, for which he had to undergo dialysis.&nbsp;</p>


Diego Maradona wished his fellow living legend Pele a speedy recovery Wednesday, posting a picture on Instagram of the two football greats in 1979. "This picture is 40 years old today.

Diego Maradona wished his fellow living legend Pele a speedy recovery Wednesday, posting a picture on Instagram of the two football greats in 1979. "This picture is 40 years old today. It was taken in Rio de Janeiro, when we met each other in person. How young we were.... I wish you a very speedy recovery, King @Pele," said the Argentine great, currently the coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados. The picture shows an 18-year-old Maradona, his face aglow, watching Pele, then 38, play the guitar. The two players are often cited as rivals for the title of greatest footballer of all time, fueling the larger and never-ending rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. View this post on Instagram Hoy esta foto cumplió 40 años. Fue en Río de Janeiro, cuando nos conocimos personalmente. Qué jóvenes que estábamos... Te deseo una muy pronta recuperación Rey @Pele, mucha fuerza!!! ⚽️💪 A post shared by Diego Maradona (@maradona) on Apr 9, 2019 at 5:55pm PDT × Pele, now 78, returned to his native Brazil Tuesday after being hospitalized six days in Paris for a severe urinary infection. Exiting the airport in a wheelchair, he was taken to a hospital in Sao Paulo, where he was placed under observation. Pele, the only footballer to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), has suffered from increasingly fragile health in recent years. In 2014, he was hospitalized in intensive care for another urinary tract infection, for which he had to undergo dialysis.

Diego Maradona posts a throwback picture with Pele, wishes him 'speedy recovery'

<p>Brazilian soccer legend Pele was discharged from a French hospital on Monday after recovering from a urinary infection, media in France reported.</p>

<p>Pele, 78, was admitted to the hospital in Paris last Wednesday with a strong fever, after attending an event in the city with France's World Cup-winning player Kylian Mbappe.</p>

<p>Pele, considered by many as soccer's best-ever player and the winner of three World Cups with the Brazilian national team, was treated with antibiotics and said on Friday he was feeling much better.</p>

<p>There was no immediate confirmation of the discharge from Pele's press office in Brazil.</p>


Brazilian soccer legend Pele was discharged from a French hospital on Monday after recovering from a urinary infection, media in France reported. Pele, 78, was admitted to the hospital in Paris last Wednesday with a strong fever, after attending an event in the city with France's World Cup-winning player Kylian Mbappe.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele was discharged from a French hospital on Monday after recovering from a urinary infection, media in France reported. Pele, 78, was admitted to the hospital in Paris last Wednesday with a strong fever, after attending an event in the city with France's World Cup-winning player Kylian Mbappe. Pele, considered by many as soccer's best-ever player and the winner of three World Cups with the Brazilian national team, was treated with antibiotics and said on Friday he was feeling much better. There was no immediate confirmation of the discharge from Pele's press office in Brazil.

Brazil soccer legend Pele discharged from hospital

<p>Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported.</p>

<p>The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe.</p>

<p>A representative for Pele in Brazil could not immediately be reached for comment.</p>

<p>Pele was still in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, RMC reported, though in a possible sign he was making a recovery, he said on Twitter: "I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company!"</p>

<p>Earlier, Mbappe had written on social media: "I had the chance this evening to spend a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the living legend @Pele."</p>

<p>Pele, revered by many as soccer's greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17. The Brazilian was swift to praise Mbappe after he set last year's World Cup in Russia alight with his electric speed and goalscoring.</p>

<p>Mbappe became the youngest player (19) to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.</p>

<p>"If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again," Pele tweeted at the time.</p>

<p>Mbappe replied: "The King will always remain King."</p>

<p>The Paris St Germain forward told Tuesday's event he would never match the Brazil great's scoring tally during his career. Pele claims he has scored 1,025 goals.</p>

<p>"Even with the goals in playgrounds, goals on the PlayStation, I could never equal (that)," the 20-year-old said at the sponsors' event.</p>

<p>Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele's health, French media said.</p>


Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported. The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe.

Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported. The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe. A representative for Pele in Brazil could not immediately be reached for comment. Pele was still in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, RMC reported, though in a possible sign he was making a recovery, he said on Twitter: "I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company!" Earlier, Mbappe had written on social media: "I had the chance this evening to spend a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the living legend @Pele." Pele, revered by many as soccer's greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17. The Brazilian was swift to praise Mbappe after he set last year's World Cup in Russia alight with his electric speed and goalscoring. Mbappe became the youngest player (19) to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final. "If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again," Pele tweeted at the time. Mbappe replied: "The King will always remain King." The Paris St Germain forward told Tuesday's event he would never match the Brazil great's scoring tally during his career. Pele claims he has scored 1,025 goals. "Even with the goals in playgrounds, goals on the PlayStation, I could never equal (that)," the 20-year-old said at the sponsors' event. Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele's health, French media said.

Brazil soccer great Pele hospitalised in Paris

<p>Pele and Gordon Banks will forever be connected by the save of the century in Mexico in 1970, and the Brazilian legend explained exactly why on Tuesday as he paid tribute to a "fine human being" and "a goalkeeper with magic."</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-world-cup-winning-keeper-gordon-banks-dead-at-81-196933">death of the 81-year-old former England keeper</a> was announced by his former club Stoke City on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Banks leapt across the goalmouth to turn Pele's header around the post in the first-round clash in Guadalajara in 1970. The miraculous stop was soon dubbed "the save of the century."</p>

<p>"For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970," Pele said in a Facebook post. "I understand why."</p>

<p>"The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since."</p>

<p>"When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate."</p>

<p>"But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it l, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast."</p>

<p>"I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, always ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that - it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people," the 78-year-old Pele wrote.</p>

<p>"So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart."</p>

<p>"I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of."</p>

<p>"Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being."</p>


Pele and Gordon Banks will forever be connected by the save of the century in Mexico in 1970, and the Brazilian legend explained exactly why on Tuesday as he paid tribute to a "fine human being" and "a goalkeeper with magic.

Pele and Gordon Banks will forever be connected by the save of the century in Mexico in 1970, and the Brazilian legend explained exactly why on Tuesday as he paid tribute to a "fine human being" and "a goalkeeper with magic." The death of the 81-year-old former England keeper was announced by his former club Stoke City on Tuesday. Banks leapt across the goalmouth to turn Pele's header around the post in the first-round clash in Guadalajara in 1970. The miraculous stop was soon dubbed "the save of the century." "For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970," Pele said in a Facebook post. "I understand why." "The save was one of the best I have ever seen - in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since." "When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate." "But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. He came from nowhere and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it l, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast." "I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, always ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that - it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people," the 78-year-old Pele wrote. "So I am glad he saved my header - because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart." "I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of." "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being."

Pele pays tribute to goalkeeping magic of 'blue phantom' Gordon Banks

<p>Brazilian soccer icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, said in an interview that Argentina's Diego Maradona was better on the pitch than his own countryman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=lionel+messi">Lionel Messi</a> and criticized Neymar.<br />
<br />
"It's difficult to defend Neymar for all the things he does outside of soccer. I talked with him, I told him that in soccer, he's got it. He had bad luck because the team didn't win the World Cup and he was branded," Pele told the daily Folha de Sao Paulo.<br />
<br />
"I was with him twice in Europe. We talked and I told him: 'In soccer, God gave you a gift, but what you did is what made it difficult,'" Pele added.<br />
<br />
The Brazilian star, however, said that Neymar is a "better player" than Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, his colleague on Paris Saint-Germain and who this year won the World Cup in Russia with the French national team.<br />
<br />
"I think that Neymar is a better player than he is, but in Europe everyone talks more about Mbappe," he said.<br />
<br />
In the interview, Pele ranked Barcelona star Lionel Messi beneath Maradona, with whom he said he has a "perfect" relationship after some misunderstandings that the pair dealt with in recent years.<br />
<br />
"As far as I'm concerned, Maradona was one of the best players ever. If you ask me, 'Was he better than Messi?' Yes, he was. Much better. Beckenbauer, Cruyff are also better. They're also excellent players," he emphasized.<br />
<br />
The 78-year-old soccer legend also spoke about his own health, saying that he is "100 percent" after undergoing three surgeries in recent years.<br />
<br />
"I don't feel any more pain, but I feel some weakness. I had some good legs and look how they are now," said Pele - who played for Brazil when they won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970 - with some irony.</p>


Brazilian soccer icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, said in an interview that Argentina's Diego Maradona was better on the pitch than his own countryman Lionel Messi and criticized Neymar.

Brazilian soccer icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, said in an interview that Argentina's Diego Maradona was better on the pitch than his own countryman Lionel Messi and criticized Neymar. "It's difficult to defend Neymar for all the things he does outside of soccer. I talked with him, I told him that in soccer, he's got it. He had bad luck because the team didn't win the World Cup and he was branded," Pele told the daily Folha de Sao Paulo. "I was with him twice in Europe. We talked and I told him: 'In soccer, God gave you a gift, but what you did is what made it difficult,'" Pele added. The Brazilian star, however, said that Neymar is a "better player" than Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, his colleague on Paris Saint-Germain and who this year won the World Cup in Russia with the French national team. "I think that Neymar is a better player than he is, but in Europe everyone talks more about Mbappe," he said. In the interview, Pele ranked Barcelona star Lionel Messi beneath Maradona, with whom he said he has a "perfect" relationship after some misunderstandings that the pair dealt with in recent years. "As far as I'm concerned, Maradona was one of the best players ever. If you ask me, 'Was he better than Messi?' Yes, he was. Much better. Beckenbauer, Cruyff are also better. They're also excellent players," he emphasized. The 78-year-old soccer legend also spoke about his own health, saying that he is "100 percent" after undergoing three surgeries in recent years. "I don't feel any more pain, but I feel some weakness. I had some good legs and look how they are now," said Pele - who played for Brazil when they won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970 - with some irony.

Pele says Maradona is better than Lionel Messi, criticizes Neymar

<p>Brazilian footballer Marta Vieira da Silva was born to play football in a country where girls and women were banned from playing the game. Brazil had a law, according to which, girls and women were not allowed to play football, not professionally, not in schools, not even for fun.</p>

<p>Female aspirant athletes were subjected to gender bias untill the government lifted the ban in 1979. Meanwhile, during that era, their male counterparts were earning accolades and winning World Cups.</p>

<p>However, Marta fought her way through all the stereotypes and built a successful career for herself in a sport which never seemed "incompatible with the female nature".</p>

<p>She holds the record for the most goals scored in women's World Cup and defeated Olympique Lyonnais pair Ada Hegerberg of Norway and Dzsenifer Marozsan of Germany to win this year's best FIFA women's award for the sixth time.</p>

<p>Marta, popularly known as "Pele in skirts", a name which was given by Pele himself, is a role model for many female footballers who still face gender inequality in the sport.</p>

<p>32-year-old Marta is known for her pace when dribbling at speed and often regarded as the best female player of all time. Her flair, quick feet and exceptional skills with the ball have earned her comparisons with legendary footballers like Ronaldinho, Romario and Pele.</p>

<p>Coming from an underprivileged family, Marta made her international debut in 2002 at the age of 16 years and was on the squad for the 2003 World Cup.</p>

<p>She led Orlando Pride team to reach the US National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) playoff semi-finals.</p>

<p>In the 2007 World Cup, Brazil reached the finals but lost to Germany, while, Marta displayed a brilliant performance throughout the tournament and appeared in the international spotlight. She was the winner of both the 'Golden Ball' being the top individual player and the 'Golden Boot' as the competition's top scorer with seven goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also played in the 2008 Summer Olympics and earned a silver medal. In August 2016, Marta was one of the eight to carry the Olympic Flag in the Rio Olympics.</p>

<p>The Brazilian led her country to the Copa America title in April and next year's World Cup will be crucial for her.</p>

<p>She has competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup and three Olympics and with 15 goals, she holds the record for most goals scored at FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, ahead of Birgit Prinz's 14 goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The way Marta dribbled all the way from streets to Olympics, it's an inspiration for thousands of aspirants.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Brazilian footballer Marta Vieira da Silva was born to play football in a country where girls and women were banned from playing the game. Brazil had a law, according to which, girls and women were not allowed to play football, not professionally, not in schools, not even for fun.

Brazilian footballer Marta Vieira da Silva was born to play football in a country where girls and women were banned from playing the game. Brazil had a law, according to which, girls and women were not allowed to play football, not professionally, not in schools, not even for fun. Female aspirant athletes were subjected to gender bias untill the government lifted the ban in 1979. Meanwhile, during that era, their male counterparts were earning accolades and winning World Cups. However, Marta fought her way through all the stereotypes and built a successful career for herself in a sport which never seemed "incompatible with the female nature". She holds the record for the most goals scored in women's World Cup and defeated Olympique Lyonnais pair Ada Hegerberg of Norway and Dzsenifer Marozsan of Germany to win this year's best FIFA women's award for the sixth time. Marta, popularly known as "Pele in skirts", a name which was given by Pele himself, is a role model for many female footballers who still face gender inequality in the sport. 32-year-old Marta is known for her pace when dribbling at speed and often regarded as the best female player of all time. Her flair, quick feet and exceptional skills with the ball have earned her comparisons with legendary footballers like Ronaldinho, Romario and Pele. Coming from an underprivileged family, Marta made her international debut in 2002 at the age of 16 years and was on the squad for the 2003 World Cup. She led Orlando Pride team to reach the US National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) playoff semi-finals. In the 2007 World Cup, Brazil reached the finals but lost to Germany, while, Marta displayed a brilliant performance throughout the tournament and appeared in the international spotlight. She was the winner of both the 'Golden Ball' being the top individual player and the 'Golden Boot' as the competition's top scorer with seven goals. She also played in the 2008 Summer Olympics and earned a silver medal. In August 2016, Marta was one of the eight to carry the Olympic Flag in the Rio Olympics. The Brazilian led her country to the Copa America title in April and next year's World Cup will be crucial for her. She has competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup and three Olympics and with 15 goals, she holds the record for most goals scored at FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, ahead of Birgit Prinz's 14 goals. The way Marta dribbled all the way from streets to Olympics, it's an inspiration for thousands of aspirants. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: 'Pele in skirts' - Brazilian Marta's success is inspiration for many

<p>Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month.<br />
<br />
"Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press.<br />
<br />
The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians.<br />
<br />
Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut.<br />
<br />
The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney.<br />
<br />
At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances.<br />
<br />
Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.</p>


Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances

Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month. "Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press. The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians. Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut. The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney. At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances. Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.

Pele cancels visit to Russia and is doubtful for attending inaugural ceremony

<p>Football legend Pele, 77, &nbsptoday cast doubts about Brazil's chances in the World Cup saying that former champions still did not have the "right team".</p>

<p>Pele under whom Brazil won three World Cups, said Brazil has individual players but still don't have a team.</p>

<p>"My worry is about one thing there are only a few days until the World Cup starts and we still don't have the right team. Individually all the players are very good. But we're not a team," Pele told newswire Reuters.</p>

<p>Although Brazil has lost just one match in the last two years but haven't exuded&nbspconfidence of a World champion with Neymar still recovering from injury with days away from the World Cup coach Tite's worries have increased.</p>

<p>"I have the utmost confidence in Tite's ability," the Brazilian legend said.</p>

<p>"Neymar is to me&nbspis one of the best players in the world," Pele said. "Today he is more mature and he has more experience but he isn't going to win the World Cup on his own. It’s teams that win the World Cup," he said.</p>

<p>Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest" asserting that Tostao, Rivellino, Gerson and he himself had spent more than six months together "that's why it worked."<br />
&nbsp<br />
Brazil begins their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.</p>


Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest"

Football legend Pele, 77, &nbsptoday cast doubts about Brazil's chances in the World Cup saying that former champions still did not have the "right team". Pele under whom Brazil won three World Cups, said Brazil has individual players but still don't have a team. "My worry is about one thing there are only a few days until the World Cup starts and we still don't have the right team. Individually all the players are very good. But we're not a team," Pele told newswire Reuters. Although Brazil has lost just one match in the last two years but haven't exuded&nbspconfidence of a World champion with Neymar still recovering from injury with days away from the World Cup coach Tite's worries have increased. "I have the utmost confidence in Tite's ability," the Brazilian legend said. "Neymar is to me&nbspis one of the best players in the world," Pele said. "Today he is more mature and he has more experience but he isn't going to win the World Cup on his own. It’s teams that win the World Cup," he said. Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest" asserting that Tostao, Rivellino, Gerson and he himself had spent more than six months together "that's why it worked." Brazil begins their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

Neymar cannot win World Cup on his own: Pele

<p>Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3).</p>

<p>The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style.</p>

<p>Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time.</p>

<p>Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille.</p>

<p>"I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr.</p>

<p>Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014.</p>

<p>He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August.</p>

<p>The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia.</p>

<p>Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.</p>


Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3). The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time. Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille. "I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr. Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014. He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August. The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia. Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.

Watch: Don't want to be better than Zico, Pele, says Brazil's Neymar

<p>The tradition of numbering players has gone on to become one of the most symbolic things in the world of football.&nbsp</p>

<p>Whenever a new signing is announced by the club, fans look forward to the jersey number that is given to him.&nbsp</p>

<p>Whatever may be the role, the footballing world has seen the best players ever to grace the field don the number 10 jersey for either their club or country or both.&nbsp</p>

<p>The No. 7 was often associated with a fast, pacy winger or the No. 9 was a number reserved for a goalscorer, the No. 10 is associated with the best, most influential player of the team.</p>

<p>So, let's look at the all-time greats to have donned the number 10 jersey</p>

<p><strong>1. Lionel Messi: </strong>The Argentine forward might not have played in a traditional number 10 position in his career but he embodies the fundamental idea of having the number 10 on his back. It is said that the best player in a team usually wears the coveted 10 and who else is better than "La Pulga". However, many critics have said that Messi cannot be termed 'the best of all-time' without a World Cup to his name.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>2. Diego Maradona:</strong> The retired Argentine footballer was a saviour to his country, and to his clubs, Napoli and Boca Juniors. Maradona was a one-man army and he succeeded in becoming one of the best ever to grace the world. Sporting the number 10 jersey, he scored many magical goals which included the 'goal of the century' against England in 1986. The Argentinian legend was a classic number 10, a perfect player whose dribbling was second to none.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>3. Pele:</strong> The Brazilian footballer who played as a forward was the first superstar of world football and captured the imagination with his brilliant goal scoring feats and amazing trickery. He donned the number 10 jersey for Brazil for whom he won a record three World Cups. Brazil with Pele in the side is often termed as the best team of all-time, and the attacking quality in that team is still unmatched by any team since then. Pele was called the 'King of Football' for his sublime goal tally coupled with his trophy cabinet</p>

<p><strong>4. Zinedine Zidane: </strong>The Frenchman was as elegant a footballer as one ever saw and was one of the best-attacking midfielders of his generation. His goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 still remains one of the best goals ever. Late legend Alfredo Di Stefano once described the former Real Madrid great: "He makes it worthwhile going into the stadium." Such was the aura and elegance of the man who sadly ended his career with a sending off in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>5. Zico:</strong> He was one of the best playmakers to ever play football. His vision coupled with his brilliant finishing made him Brazil's talisman in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, he was considered the best player in the world by football fans and critics. The Brazil team of the 70s and 80s put on quite a show with their flair and class, and Zico was at the helm of the side playing as a number 10. Zico played in a number 10 position for Brazil but remains one of the best players to have never won the World Cup.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>6. Ronaldinho:</strong> He donned many jersey numbers throughout his career but his standout years came at Barcelona where he sported number 10. The silky, flashy playmaker was an idol to an entire generation and also brought out a change in fortunes for the Catalans. He was FIFA's Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and also won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. Ronaldinho did not score 30 goals a season or brilliant work rate in his career, but he was everyone's favourite whenever he entered the ground.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>7. Michel Platini:</strong> His prolific goalscoring made him one of the best footballers of his generation. Playing in the number 10 role, Platini achieved great heights at Saint-Etienne and Juventus while also playing a major role in France's 1984 Euro win. The Frenchman won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors from 19083-85 and was also adjudged French Player of the Century in 1999.&nbsp</p>


With 10 more days to go, here is the significance of jersey number ten

The tradition of numbering players has gone on to become one of the most symbolic things in the world of football. Whenever a new signing is announced by the club, fans look forward to the jersey number that is given to him. Whatever may be the role, the footballing world has seen the best players ever to grace the field don the number 10 jersey for either their club or country or both. The No. 7 was often associated with a fast, pacy winger or the No. 9 was a number reserved for a goalscorer, the No. 10 is associated with the best, most influential player of the team. So, let's look at the all-time greats to have donned the number 10 jersey 1. Lionel Messi: The Argentine forward might not have played in a traditional number 10 position in his career but he embodies the fundamental idea of having the number 10 on his back. It is said that the best player in a team usually wears the coveted 10 and who else is better than "La Pulga". However, many critics have said that Messi cannot be termed 'the best of all-time' without a World Cup to his name. 2. Diego Maradona: The retired Argentine footballer was a saviour to his country, and to his clubs, Napoli and Boca Juniors. Maradona was a one-man army and he succeeded in becoming one of the best ever to grace the world. Sporting the number 10 jersey, he scored many magical goals which included the 'goal of the century' against England in 1986. The Argentinian legend was a classic number 10, a perfect player whose dribbling was second to none. 3. Pele: The Brazilian footballer who played as a forward was the first superstar of world football and captured the imagination with his brilliant goal scoring feats and amazing trickery. He donned the number 10 jersey for Brazil for whom he won a record three World Cups. Brazil with Pele in the side is often termed as the best team of all-time, and the attacking quality in that team is still unmatched by any team since then. Pele was called the 'King of Football' for his sublime goal tally coupled with his trophy cabinet 4. Zinedine Zidane: The Frenchman was as elegant a footballer as one ever saw and was one of the best-attacking midfielders of his generation. His goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 still remains one of the best goals ever. Late legend Alfredo Di Stefano once described the former Real Madrid great: "He makes it worthwhile going into the stadium." Such was the aura and elegance of the man who sadly ended his career with a sending off in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. 5. Zico: He was one of the best playmakers to ever play football. His vision coupled with his brilliant finishing made him Brazil's talisman in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, he was considered the best player in the world by football fans and critics. The Brazil team of the 70s and 80s put on quite a show with their flair and class, and Zico was at the helm of the side playing as a number 10. Zico played in a number 10 position for Brazil but remains one of the best players to have never won the World Cup. 6. Ronaldinho: He donned many jersey numbers throughout his career but his standout years came at Barcelona where he sported number 10. The silky, flashy playmaker was an idol to an entire generation and also brought out a change in fortunes for the Catalans. He was FIFA's Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and also won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. Ronaldinho did not score 30 goals a season or brilliant work rate in his career, but he was everyone's favourite whenever he entered the ground. 7. Michel Platini: His prolific goalscoring made him one of the best footballers of his generation. Playing in the number 10 role, Platini achieved great heights at Saint-Etienne and Juventus while also playing a major role in France's 1984 Euro win. The Frenchman won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors from 19083-85 and was also adjudged French Player of the Century in 1999.

Football and the significance of Jersey #10

<p>Former England's professional footballer, David Beckham has turned 43 today and wishes have poured in from family and friends.</p>

<p>Beckham is one of the most iconic sportspersons of the United Kingdom not only by his dribbling skills but also by his stunning looks.</p>

<p>Throughout his career, he played for some very elite clubs like Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>He announced his retirement in May 2013 after a 20-year long career, during which he won 19 major trophies.</p>

<p>Recently, after a four-year wait, he launched a &nbsp;Major League Soccer franchise in Miami after.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his 43rd birthday, let's Rewind to the time in the 70s, 80s and 90s dominated by Juninho Pernambucano, Michel Platini, Gheorghe Hagi, Ronaldinho and Alessandro Del Piero who were exponents of the free-kick.</p>

<p>Also, decode David Beckham's famous free-kick.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video:</em></p>

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<p>David Beckham in the late 90s and early 2000s is colossus of the free-kick, a player whose dynamic ‘curve’ stunned opponents and mathematicians alike.</p>

<p>Beckham's free-kick against Greece in the 93rd minute at Old Trafford took England to the World Cup 2002, it confirmed Beckham’s status as a master craftsman of the free-kick.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Superman-like stunt was definitely a new theory postulated by Beckham. But, was he a mathematician? Guess not, but some physics students have derived a formula to simplify the most famous free kick.</p>

<p><em>The mathematical formula is:</em></p>

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<p>The mathematical formula to 'bend it like Beckham'. (Others)</p>
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<p>Four physics students found that the distance a ball bends as a result of the 'Magnus effect'.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In this scenario the air travels faster on the left-hand side of the ball because it is travelling in the same direction as the ball spins – it is dragged along by the ball. On the right-hand side, the ball is spinning against the direction of air flow and so the air travels slower over that part of the ball.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
If the velocity of a fluid increases then a drop in pressure results. This means, air pressure drops on the left-hand side of the ball and increases on the right. The pressure difference creates a force acting away from the area of high pressure than the ball moves to the left.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
This phenomenon is responsible for the spinning of the ball and its curving arc as it travels through the air.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
That phenomenon is depended on the above-mentioned formula. Where in the formula, R= Radius of the ball, ρ= Density of the air, &nbsp;ω= Ball's angular velocity, v= Velocity through the air, m= mass and x= The distance travelled by the ball in the direction it was kicked.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Beckham, of course, had no clue about the ‘formula’ – that is for scientist’s job to decode, he was just practicing his trade.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
So every time you watch the ball hitting the cross-bar or simply curving inside, remember there’s a science to it but don’t tell the players this because they are just displaying their natural gift, a god gifted talent meant to impress the crowd.</p>


David Beckham in the late 90's and early 2000's was a colossus of the free kick, a player whose dynamic curve stunned opponents and mathematicians alike

Former England's professional footballer, David Beckham has turned 43 today and wishes have poured in from family and friends. Beckham is one of the most iconic sportspersons of the United Kingdom not only by his dribbling skills but also by his stunning looks. Throughout his career, he played for some very elite clubs like Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain. He announced his retirement in May 2013 after a 20-year long career, during which he won 19 major trophies. Recently, after a four-year wait, he launched a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami after. On his 43rd birthday, let's Rewind to the time in the 70s, 80s and 90s dominated by Juninho Pernambucano, Michel Platini, Gheorghe Hagi, Ronaldinho and Alessandro Del Piero who were exponents of the free-kick. Also, decode David Beckham's famous free-kick. Watch the video: David Beckham in the late 90s and early 2000s is colossus of the free-kick, a player whose dynamic ‘curve’ stunned opponents and mathematicians alike. Beckham's free-kick against Greece in the 93rd minute at Old Trafford took England to the World Cup 2002, it confirmed Beckham’s status as a master craftsman of the free-kick. The Superman-like stunt was definitely a new theory postulated by Beckham. But, was he a mathematician? Guess not, but some physics students have derived a formula to simplify the most famous free kick. The mathematical formula is: The mathematical formula to 'bend it like Beckham'. (Others) Four physics students found that the distance a ball bends as a result of the 'Magnus effect'. In this scenario the air travels faster on the left-hand side of the ball because it is travelling in the same direction as the ball spins – it is dragged along by the ball. On the right-hand side, the ball is spinning against the direction of air flow and so the air travels slower over that part of the ball. If the velocity of a fluid increases then a drop in pressure results. This means, air pressure drops on the left-hand side of the ball and increases on the right. The pressure difference creates a force acting away from the area of high pressure than the ball moves to the left. This phenomenon is responsible for the spinning of the ball and its curving arc as it travels through the air. That phenomenon is depended on the above-mentioned formula. Where in the formula, R= Radius of the ball, ρ= Density of the air, ω= Ball's angular velocity, v= Velocity through the air, m= mass and x= The distance travelled by the ball in the direction it was kicked. Beckham, of course, had no clue about the ‘formula’ – that is for scientist’s job to decode, he was just practicing his trade. So every time you watch the ball hitting the cross-bar or simply curving inside, remember there’s a science to it but don’t tell the players this because they are just displaying their natural gift, a god gifted talent meant to impress the crowd.

Decoding David Beckham's famous free kick on his 43rd birthday

<p>Brazilian soccer great Pele has collapsed with exhaustion and been forced to cancel a long-planned trip to London this weekend, the Football Writers Association (FWA) said on Friday.</p>

<p>The FWA was due to host a dinner in his honour at the Savoy hotel on Sunday but said the 77-year-old would not make it.</p>

<p>&quot;In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion,&quot; the FWA said in a statement.</p>

<p>&quot;He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion.&quot;</p>

<p>Pele, who is the only player to win three World Cups, has been taken to hospital for kidney and prostrate problems in recent years and also underwent hip surgery.</p>

<p>Still considered the greatest player of all time, he appeared in a wheelchair at his last big international appearance in Moscow in December for the draw for the 2018 World Cup.</p>


Brazilian soccer great Pele has collapsed with exhaustion and been forced to cancel a long-planned trip to London this weekend, the Football Writers Association (FWA) said on Friday

Brazilian soccer great Pele has collapsed with exhaustion and been forced to cancel a long-planned trip to London this weekend, the Football Writers Association (FWA) said on Friday. The FWA was due to host a dinner in his honour at the Savoy hotel on Sunday but said the 77-year-old would not make it. "In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion," the FWA said in a statement. "He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion." Pele, who is the only player to win three World Cups, has been taken to hospital for kidney and prostrate problems in recent years and also underwent hip surgery. Still considered the greatest player of all time, he appeared in a wheelchair at his last big international appearance in Moscow in December for the draw for the 2018 World Cup.

Brazil great Pele collapses with exhaustion

<p>Football legend Pele, 77, is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win the FIFA World Cup due to begin&nbsp;in June.</p>

<p>Five-time winners Brazil were thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals by Germany, but Pele has faith in the newly appointed coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi.</p>

<p>He advised&nbsp;the Brazilian&nbsp;footballers to play as a team&nbsp;and not rely on just one or two players.</p>

<p>&quot;Whenever Brazil won World Cups it was not because of Pele, Zico&hellip; it was because of the team,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The king of football was honoured on Monday in Rio de Janeiro during an event to launch the 2018 edition of the Rio State League.</p>

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<p>Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele uses a walking frame as he greets supporters. (AFP)</p>
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<p>Pele is recovering from several surgeries. In the backstage, he denied to take any assistance&nbsp;to reach the stage, he said his walker is the&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;new God-given boots&quot;.</span></p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also criticised the current scenario of football and mentioned that very few players are emerging as legends.</p>

<p>&quot;Today, there are only three players who really stand out; Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Pele stated that, in the past, you could name several star footballers who played at the same time, such as Portugal&#39;s Eusebio, Germany&#39;s Franz Beckenbauer, England&#39;s Bobby Moore and his Brazil teammates such as Tostao, Jairzinho among others.</p>

<p>Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career, despite any comparisons that might one day appear, &quot;there will be no other Pele&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win FIFA World Cup 2018

Football legend Pele, 77, is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win the FIFA World Cup due to begin in June. Five-time winners Brazil were thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals by Germany, but Pele has faith in the newly appointed coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi. He advised the Brazilian footballers to play as a team and not rely on just one or two players. "Whenever Brazil won World Cups it was not because of Pele, Zico… it was because of the team," he said. The king of football was honoured on Monday in Rio de Janeiro during an event to launch the 2018 edition of the Rio State League. Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele uses a walking frame as he greets supporters. (AFP) × Pele is recovering from several surgeries. In the backstage, he denied to take any assistance to reach the stage, he said his walker is the "new God-given boots". "I'm fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world," he said. He also criticised the current scenario of football and mentioned that very few players are emerging as legends. "Today, there are only three players who really stand out; Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar," he said. Pele stated that, in the past, you could name several star footballers who played at the same time, such as Portugal's Eusebio, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, England's Bobby Moore and his Brazil teammates such as Tostao, Jairzinho among others. Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career, despite any comparisons that might one day appear, "there will be no other Pele".

Watch: Pele 'guides' Brazil ahead of FIFA World Cup

<p>The son of soccer great Pele turned himself in to police on Friday after a court ruled he must serve almost 13 years of a 33-year drug-trafficking sentence, his lawyer told Reuters.</p>

<p>A former goalkeeper at Pele&#39;s club Santos, Edinho was found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2005 but has been fighting the charges ever since.</p>

<p>A judge heard his appeal against the original 33-year sentence on Thursday and reduced it to 12 years and 10 months.</p>

<p>Edinho protested his innocence and expressed confidence that &quot;things will work themselves out&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;I am very frustrated because I am being accused of money laundering and I never did that, there is no evidence of that,&quot; Edinho told reporters in Santos, the city where his father made his name.</p>

<p>&quot;The argument is about my friendship with the other accused, and I never denied that, but I never laundered money.&quot;</p>

<p>Edinho, whose full name is Edson Cholbi do Nascimento, vowed to keep fighting the charges.</p>

<p>His father Pele, 76, is considered the greatest player of all time and helped Brazil to win three World Cup titles.</p>

<p>(Reuters)</p>


Edinho was earlier sentenced to 33 years in prison but on Thursday, a judge reduced it to 12 years and 10 months

The son of soccer great Pele turned himself in to police on Friday after a court ruled he must serve almost 13 years of a 33-year drug-trafficking sentence, his lawyer told Reuters. A former goalkeeper at Pele's club Santos, Edinho was found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2005 but has been fighting the charges ever since. A judge heard his appeal against the original 33-year sentence on Thursday and reduced it to 12 years and 10 months. Edinho protested his innocence and expressed confidence that "things will work themselves out". "I am very frustrated because I am being accused of money laundering and I never did that, there is no evidence of that," Edinho told reporters in Santos, the city where his father made his name. "The argument is about my friendship with the other accused, and I never denied that, but I never laundered money." Edinho, whose full name is Edson Cholbi do Nascimento, vowed to keep fighting the charges. His father Pele, 76, is considered the greatest player of all time and helped Brazil to win three World Cup titles. (Reuters)

Pele's son to serve almost 13 years in jail for drug trafficking

<p>Brazilian soccer legend&nbsp;Pele&nbsp;will not light the Olympic cauldron at Friday&#39;s opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics due to poor health, a spokesman for the three-time World Cup winner said.</p>

<p>Pele, who in 1999 was elected by the International Olympic Committee as the Athlete of the Century and whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered by many as the greatest soccer player of all time.</p>

<p>Pele, 75, underwent hip surgery at the end of last year and his rehabilitation has been difficult.</p>

<p>Pepito Fornos, a&nbsp;Pele&nbsp;spokesman, confirmed&nbsp;that&nbsp;Pele&nbsp;would not light the cauldron, saying that &quot;the muscles in his leg that is being rehabilitated are not sufficiently strong enough&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;He is walking with a cane. The problem is that if he sits in a chair you need a winch to get him out of it,&quot; Fornos said. &quot;His doctor thought it best that he continues physiotherapy, that he rests and we hope that he will be able to appear at the (Olympic) closing.&quot;</p>

<p>Pele&nbsp;said earlier this week that he had been asked to light the cauldron, but also said he needed to consult some commercial sponsors on whether he contractually would be able to do that.</p>

<p>Organisers have kept light-tipped about the details of the ceremony and had not confirmed whether&nbsp;Pele&nbsp;would take part, repeatedly refusing to comment on who might light the cauldron - the symbol of the Games that remains lit until the closing ceremony.</p>

<p>Despite being named Athlete of the Century,&nbsp;Pele&nbsp;never actually competed in an Olympics.</p>

<p>Pele&nbsp;has often joked that Brazil has never won an Olympic gold medal in soccer because he never played for the team.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)</p>


Pele had undergone hip surgery at the end of last year. His rehabilitation has been difficult since then

Brazilian soccer legend Pele will not light the Olympic cauldron at Friday's opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics due to poor health, a spokesman for the three-time World Cup winner said. Pele, who in 1999 was elected by the International Olympic Committee as the Athlete of the Century and whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered by many as the greatest soccer player of all time. Pele, 75, underwent hip surgery at the end of last year and his rehabilitation has been difficult. Pepito Fornos, a Pele spokesman, confirmed that Pele would not light the cauldron, saying that "the muscles in his leg that is being rehabilitated are not sufficiently strong enough". "He is walking with a cane. The problem is that if he sits in a chair you need a winch to get him out of it," Fornos said. "His doctor thought it best that he continues physiotherapy, that he rests and we hope that he will be able to appear at the (Olympic) closing." Pele said earlier this week that he had been asked to light the cauldron, but also said he needed to consult some commercial sponsors on whether he contractually would be able to do that. Organisers have kept light-tipped about the details of the ceremony and had not confirmed whether Pele would take part, repeatedly refusing to comment on who might light the cauldron - the symbol of the Games that remains lit until the closing ceremony. Despite being named Athlete of the Century, Pele never actually competed in an Olympics. Pele has often joked that Brazil has never won an Olympic gold medal in soccer because he never played for the team. (Reuters)

Soccer legend Pele will not light Olympic cauldron due to muscle pain

Brazilian football legend Pele is getting married on Tuesday for the third time, tying the knot with his girlfriend of six years Marcia Cibele Aoki.<br />
<br />
Pele, 75, told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that this time, he has found &quot;love forever.&quot;<br />
<br />
Pele and Aoki met in New York in the 1980s but only started seeing each other in 2010, when they crossed paths in an elevator in Sao Paulo.<br />
<br />
Aoki, a 42-year-old businesswoman, has been by the three-time world champion&#39;s side for nearly all his public appearances since 2012, as well as during his repeated hospital visits in recent years.<br />
<br />
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele is held by many as being the greatest footballer in history.<br />
<br />
He scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, appeared 91 times for Brazil between 1957 and 1971 and played his club football for Brazil&#39;s FC Santos as well as the New York Cosmos.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Says this time he has found 'love forever'

Brazilian football legend Pele is getting married on Tuesday for the third time, tying the knot with his girlfriend of six years Marcia Cibele Aoki. Pele, 75, told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that this time, he has found "love forever." Pele and Aoki met in New York in the 1980s but only started seeing each other in 2010, when they crossed paths in an elevator in Sao Paulo. Aoki, a 42-year-old businesswoman, has been by the three-time world champion's side for nearly all his public appearances since 2012, as well as during his repeated hospital visits in recent years. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele is held by many as being the greatest footballer in history. He scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, appeared 91 times for Brazil between 1957 and 1971 and played his club football for Brazil's FC Santos as well as the New York Cosmos. (AFP)

Pele to marry for a third time at 75

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