First until the end of his life he was the only player who ever won world Cup for three times. But why is it never appreciated? Golden Ball his entire career?
Pele led Brazil to the World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970. At least, even if he did not win, it was only natural that he would be included in the list of potential winners that year.
But in reality the king was never crowned as the best. In 1958, the Ballon d’Or fell to Raymond Kopa (France) who led France to third place at that year’s World Cup.
In 1962, it was Josef Masopust’s turn to be chosen as the winner after Czechoslovakia became World Cup runners-up. Meanwhile, in 1970, the Ballon d’Or was won by Gerd Mueller, who led Germany to a bronze medal at the World Cup that same year.
When a great player becomes a world champion, why is the title awarded to a player from a losing country? This is due to the old rules applied by France Football magazine as organizer of the Ballon d’Or.
Prior to 1995, only players born in Europe were included in the rating. This is also why Diego Maradona never won the award even though his career was so fast in Europe with Napoli and he helped lead Argentina to the 1986 World Cup.
Starting in 1995, France Football changed the criteria and also evaluated players of any origin who took part in Europe. In the same year, George Weah (Liberia) who played for Paris Saint-Germain was chosen as the best.
In 1997, Ronaldo became the first South American player to win the Ballon d’Or, followed by Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Lionel Messi.
In 2007, the criteria for potential winners changed again. Players who do not play in Europe are also eligible to become candidates if they can record brilliant results during the evaluation year.
At the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or award in 2015, France Football said that if the current assessment had been made when Pelé was still actively playing, then the Brazilian legend could have won it seven times, namely in 1958 , 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1970.
Pele is just amazing.
(adp/raw)
