Even before the EA FIFA titles, the soccer GOAT was already a star in video games. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known by fans as Pelé, died today at the age of 82 due to cancer.
The entire soccer community is mourning his passing and his achievements and influence in and out of soccer fields will not be forgotten.
With over 1200 goals in over 1300 games, the soccer GOAT entered the world of video games with Pelé’s Soccer for the Atari 2600 in 1981. This title was originally known as Championship Soccer but got the approval of the soccer legend who got to promote the game. He became the first soccer player appearing on the cover of video games.
Pelé was later seen in Pelé! The videogame, a title produced by Radical Entertainment and published alongside Accolade. The game saw its debut in 1993 in the US, followed with a sequel Pelé II: World Tournament Soccer in June 1994.
Fans had to wait until 1999 to see Pelé again in Ubisoft’s Academy of Champions: Soccer for the Nintendo Wii.
Pelé was later seen in a mobile game titled Pelé: Soccer Legend, the last title to carry his nickname.
Though the soccer idol hasn’t been seen in games carrying his popular nickname, he has made appearances in games such as Rocket League and EA Sports FIFA.
Thank you, Edson Arantes do Nascimento! Thank you, Pelé!
[Source]: Pelé (Twitter): A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje – [Archive] – [Screenshot]. CNN: Brazilian soccer legend Pelé dies at 82 – [Archive] – [Screenshot].
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