The legendary Brazilian footballer, Pelé, may have been a rare visitor to Ireland, but his presence always left an indelible mark. Fifty years ago, in 1962, he graced Dalymount Park, playing for Santos against a combined Bohemians/Drumcondra team. Despite his legendary status, Pelé’s performance that day was underwhelming, failing to find the net in a 3-2 Santos victory. Irish media were quick to criticize, with headlines like “Pelé fails to excite fans” and “The Phibsboro Flop.”
Another notable visit came in 2009, just days after Ireland’s heartbreaking World Cup playoff defeat to France. Pelé was invited to offer his condolences and perspective on Thierry Henry’s infamous handball. While he acknowledged the unfairness of the result, he also defended Henry, stating that the incident was unintentional.
Pelé’s 2009 visit was organized as part of his “Goals For Life” campaign, aiming to raise funds for children’s hospitals in Brazil and Ireland. He met with Irish officials, including FAI President John Delaney, and reminisced about his past encounters with Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni. The two had a fierce rivalry on the pitch, with Trapattoni’s tight marking earning him a playful nickname from Pelé.
In addition to his 2009 visit, Pelé also appeared on Ireland’s Late Late Show in 2006 to promote his autobiography. While his Irish appearances were infrequent, they were always memorable, leaving a lasting impression on fans and media alike.
