Home / News / Press Releases

LULAC MOURNS THE PASSING OF PELÉ, THE GREAT BRAZILIAN SOCCER PLAYER WHO GAVE CHILDREN AND FANS HOPE AND JOY

Photo Credit: John Mathew Smith from Laurel Maryland, USA

December 30, 2022
For more information, contact
David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org

The Nation's Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Calls the Sports Star a Historic Figure Whose Legendary Feats on the Field and in Life Inspired Millions Worldwide

Dallas, Texas – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement on the passing of Pelé, the Brazilian soccer star who died Thursday after a long illness. He was 82.

Pelé will be remembered for his superhuman moves on the soccer field, including the reverse overhead windmill kick he perfected. His passion for soccer and teamwork catapulted Pelé to three World Cups. Off the field, the sports icon with the ever-present smile reveled in motivating generations of younger players, encouraging them, and transforming their training into lessons to improve their lives. Often, he visited Brazil's poorest communities, not unlike the neighborhoods in which he had grown up. He told children they too, could rise to become superstars even amid very poor and challenging conditions.

Domingo Garcia – LULAC National President
"The world has lost a sports legend and the greatest soccer player of all time. I first saw him in action as a member of the New York Cosmos as they beat my Dallas team in the Cotton Bowl Stadium. In 1994, I got to meet him when Dallas hosted the World Cup. Pelé was a player who shattered racial barriers as well as goal nets. He was a one-of-a-kind individual and player. We will miss him, but his example on the field and in life will endure."

About LULAC

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/