“I’m lucky”
Federer shares a special moment with Pelé
One is one of the greatest tennis players, the other was one of the greatest soccer players. Now Roger Federer remembers his meeting with the late Pelé.
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Roger Federer remembers a special encounter.
The world mourns Pelé († 82). Many athletes share memories of the Brazilian football legend on social media and bow to her.
Among them is Roger Federer (41). The tennis maestro, who retired in the fall, published a special moment on Instagram on Friday afternoon that he was able to experience with Pelé. He met the Brazilian personally ten years ago. “Thank you for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes,” Federer wrote. “I consider myself very fortunate to have met you and had the chance to learn from you and look up to you.”
But that is not enough. Federer goes further and adds: «You were one of the first real global sports icons. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
“Wanted to meet him the most”
How did the meeting between Federer and Pelé come about? In 2012 he traveled to Brazil for a sponsor. And was allowed to meet the football legend. Even Federer got nervous, as a video that he published at the time shows.
“The person I wanted to meet here the most was Pelé,” reveals Federer in this. At the encounter there was a warm hug between the two sports legends. Gifts were also exchanged. Pelé presented Federer with a very special jersey. He wore it in the 1958 final against Sweden (5-2) when he won his first of three world titles. Federer returned the favor and presented Pelé with a shirt signed by him.
“That was a big moment for me in my life,” said Federer at the time. “It was surreal. I’m really grateful that I had this opportunity.”
After Pelé’s death, the memories of that encounter are all the more precious. (bir)
Tricks and dribbles: Pelé has shown it to all the greats(02:01)