Chapter Five: Pelé Comes to New York (with Michael Lewis)

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America. Before there was Beckham or Messi coming to America to play for Major League Soccer Franchises, there was Pelé and his stint with the New York Cosmos. From 1975-1977 the world’s most recognized footballer spent the twilight of his career helping this country fall in love with the beautiful game.  His time playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL) provided a blueprint for what success could look like for the sport in this country. It boosted the NASL to previously unseen heights. Unfortunately, Pelé’s (second) retirement also showed the continued vulnerability of America’s top flight professional league. This episode explores the many layers of his time in New York and it’s long-term impact on the game in the US. Our guest on this episode is Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis; he has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and...