70 Years Ago: Newspaper Announced Pelé's Signing with Santos FC as a Promising 'Crack'

Seventy years ago, in July 1956, the newspaper A Tribuna announced the signing of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, later known as Pelé, by Santos Futebol Clube. The article, published by the 132-year-old Baixada Santista newspaper, introduced the then 16-year-old as 'a young man who promises to be a 'crack'' (an archaic spelling for 'star player'). Pelé had caught the attention of the newspaper's reporters during a Santos squad practice on July 24, 1956. The report noted his impressive performance as a right-sided midfielder in the reserve team, displaying sobriety and strong technical skills that favorably impressed observers. The article provided basic details about the promising player for the Vila Belmiro team: he came from Bauru, was not affiliated with any sports club, would receive CR$ 6,000 per month, and his studies would be funded by Santos FC at a local private school. The report also highlighted the crucial role of former footballer Waldemar de Brito, described as Pelé's 'intellectual mentor,' in his preparation and signing. Waldemar de Brito asserted that he had refined Pelé, recognizing his innate football talent and predicting his seamless integration into the Santos FC squad, which de Brito considered the best team in São Paulo. A Tribuna, founded in 1894, has covered Pelé's career extensively. Following his passing in December 2022, the newspaper published a special edition on his life, which was so successful that it was republished the next day. The newspaper's cover design for Pelé's wake also secured third place in the 6th International Newspaper Design Competition.