After a long fight against colon cancer, which was detected in September 2012, Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento “Pelé” has died at the age of 82also known as O’Rei, for having won three world cups for national teams, two for clubs and 1,283 goals throughout his career, which began in 1956 with Santos and ended in 1977 with the New York Cosmos. Without a doubt, Pelé is a great icon of world soccer, since, for many, he will always be the best player in the history of this sport.
Being a world figure, it is not surprising that throughout his career he was sought after to promote different products such as Viagra, Pepsi, Atari, Nokia, Santander, Fly Emirates, Mastercard, among many others. And of course, cars are no exception, since he received several vehicles as part of sponsorships. But if there is a brand that was impregnated in the life of the Brazilian star, it was precisely Volkswagen since their relationship went beyond business and transcended his personal life.
The first approach of Edson Arantes do Nascimento with Volkswagen It was at the beginning of his professional career, since shortly after signing with Santos Futebol Clube, and at only 16 years of age, he was given a Fusca (Fusca) by the owner of a local dealer named Walter Hebert.vocho) this due to the great sports performance that he had presented in his first season. It is worth mentioning that this car was manufactured at the São Bernardo do Campo (São Paulo) plant.
This good relationship between Santos and Volkswagen made possible one of the most curious passages in soccer history, since the Brazilian team toured Europe in which they played 19 games in 49 days. But one of them drew attention, since on June 3 of that year, Pelé and the rest of his team visited the Wolfsburg, Germany plantwhere, in addition to taking a tour, they played a match with the then eponymous amateur team, made up of factory workers. The result was 6-3 in favor of the Brazilians. But, above all, 0’rei and the Beetle met again.
A few years passed and in Mexico, one was fortunate enough to admire the style of “nice game” Pelé during the 1970 World Cup, which, of course, he won. Upon his return to Brazil, a great controversy arose, since Paulo Maluf, then mayor of São Paulo, bought 25 green Volkswagen Fusca, which would be delivered to the Brazilian delegation. However, these cars were purchased with the public treasury, which led to a lawsuit that lasted 36 years. The players were unaware of this situation, so some did receive their car, while others were left without their Fusca. It is not known if Pelé received the gift from him.
Several decades passed and after his retirement, the relationship between the Volkswagen Group and Edson Arantes do Nascimento was resumed at various times.. For example, in 2006, Pelé became a SEAT ambassador in Mexico.which gave a great boost to the Spanish firm in our country.
However, it was in 2014, when Pelé is named Volkswagen ambassador for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, as well as to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the brand in the South American giantwhere he was part of an advertising campaign that mixes the history of the brand, with some technological innovations and of course soccer.
“As a Brazilian, I am very proud to be an ambassador for a brand like Volkswagen. In the last 60 years, the company has developed many innovations and has supported millions of Brazilian families”Pelé commented at the time.
In fact, right at the beginning of this association, when the Kombi Última Edición was presented, it was when O’rei revealed that he was a big fan of this model that had been manufactured in Brazil since 1950, since his father owned a kombi (there it is written with a K), which he nicknamed Philomena and was in charge of taking him to soccer training. “I borrowed it to go to the beach”Pele recalled.
Besides Volkswagen, Pelé enjoyed other cars such as a BMW Isetta that was given to him in 1958. Four years later at Chile 1962, he acquired an Aero Willys 2600. Soon after, he owned a pair of Mercedes-Benz, a 250 W114 and a 280-S. The latter are also highly appreciated by Pelé (so much so that they deserve a separate story).
All of them were part of his private collection, however, when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, they were sold to cover medical expenses, but it is said that the only one that was kept by Pelé was his beloved Fusca, his first car. to whom he always kept a great affection. Even in his last moments.
Pelé, he loved football, but also cars, but especially Volkswagens. See you soon Pelé!
