David Beckham was in NYC for a charity event and had the honor of presenting the legendary Pele with a lifetime achievement award. He had this to say to Reuters:
“For me to be here to present this to the greatest sportsmen of all time, I feel particularly honored,” the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder told reporters. “This absolutely is a highlight moment for me.”
The black-tie event, a $1,250-a-plate fundraiser at Gotham Hall, was a benefit for Harlem Youth Soccer.
Pele, 67, widely regarded as the greatest footballer ever, blazed a trail for soccer in North American soccer, one that Beckham now follows.
I can’t even imagine what an honor it would be to present a legend like Pele with an award. There aren’t many sportsmen who would elicit this kind of awe. Michael Jordan is probably the only one left; maybe Muhammad Ali also.
I only vaguely remember the end of the NASL’s run in the US but it is the reason I am such a fan of the game today.
I suggest everyone give money to the US Soccer Foundation as they do a lot of great work creating fields in poor neighborhoods so kids can play soccer instead of getting into trouble with so many of the bad things that come at kids in the more downtrodden neighborhoods.
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