Why Soccer Matters
By Brian Winter & Pelé
A Look at More Than Sixty Years of International Soccer. Celebra, 2014.
Summary of Why Soccer Matters book by Brian Winter & Pelé
Soccer icon Pelé details his childhood, rise to stardom, and experience as a role model while reflecting on the game’s global contributions to humanity, culture, and politics.
Chapters in Why Soccer Matters book summary
What do you get from this book? Pelé’s personal account of soccer’s ability to transform lives and cultures
Soccer is a game that anyone can play regardless of background, wealth, or size
Pelé grew up in a poor culture with strong values but little interest in soccer
Brazil hosted the 1950 World Cup to build prestige, then lost it all with their defeat
Talent provided Pelé with the opportunity to play soccer; but everyone has to find their own unique gift
Soccer acts as a conduit between players, fans, and cultures, allowing them to discover more about each other
The 1958 Swedish World Cup forged new bonds between countries and elevated Brazil’s prestige
Triumph and disappointment were regular occurrences in Brazil as people struggled to adapt to political pressures
Brazil’s dictators began interfering with soccer, but Pelé and his teammates regrouped to win the Mexico tournament
Pelé joined the US soccer team hoping to get out of debt and improve Brazil’s relationship with America
The 1994 World Cup was hosted in the US after soccer finally won over Americans
As Minister of Sports, Pelé used soccer to educate children and helped players gain free agency
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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Why Soccer Matters — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read Why Soccer Matters book
- Soccer fans
- soccer players
- sports historians
- Pelé’s supporters
- anyone interested in the history of Brazil
About the author of Why Soccer Matters
Brian Winter
Pelé is a former professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the best in the game. He served as a United Nations Educational, Scientific Organization (UNESCO) Goodwill Ambassador and Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sports. In 2000, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) named him a Player of the Century. Brian Winter is a bestselling author and journalist focused on Latin American politics. He is editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly.
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