Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, known as Pelé, was appointed UNESCO Champion for Sport in April 1994, in light of his outstanding commitment to promote sport and help disadvantaged children. Pelé is regarded as the greatest football player of all time. In 1999, he was elected “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee and “World Player of the Century” by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
In his capacity as UNESCO Champion for Sport, Pelé visited numerous countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil. Through the common language of football, he participated in the promotion of sport as a tool for peace and integration.
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