Home

NFL

“You Are a…”: Tom Brady Once Received a Lifetime Tribute From Legend Pele

Published 12/31/2022, 1:23 AM EST

Follow Us

The world of soccer lost its original king on Thursday. 82-year-old Pele passed away after a long battle with illness. The three time World Cup winner had met almost every major athlete and sports celebrity in the world. And that included Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. However, there’s one wish that the Brazilian legend couldn’t check off his list.

When Tom Brady and his former Brazilian supermodel wife, Gisele Bündchen attended the FIFA World Cup Final in 2014 at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil, the former power couple had the opportunity to meet Pele. And the soccer legend has always been in touch with Brady since then. He even tried to bring luck to Brady on his 10th Super Bowl appearance through his no. 10 jersey. Moreover, Pele wanted to meet the two recently after Tom’s retirement announcement.

“Wouldn’t Be Surprised at All if He…”: Tom Brady’s Promising Take on Retirement Makes NFL World Keep the Wheel of Speculation Running

He especially wanted a hug from fellow Brazilian and fashion icon Gisele Bündchen. However, Pele’s final wish couldn’t be fulfilled after Tom Brady and Bündchen announced their divorce earlier this year. This happened after Brady’s retirement fiasco tested Gisele’s limit. Unfortunately, Pele passed away before single Gisele could do something about it.

Pele even tried to coax Tom Brady into staying retired

Brady announced his retirement in February 2022 and changed his mind only 40 days later. TB12 realised that he had a lot more left in him, having won his seventh and final Super Bowl only a year back at 43. This decision didn’t sit well with the ex-wife supermodel. And Pele appreciated Brady’s GOAT-ed twenty-two-year career and left a heartfelt message for the 15x Pro Bowler.

via Getty

My friend Tom Brady, congratulations on your beautiful journey. You are a legend. As of today, an era in sport also ends. I keep hoping that your life will always be full of achievements.” Pele wrote to Brady. The former New England Patriots QB only paid attention to the achievements part of the message as he announced that he will play on for the foreseeable future.

WATCH THIS STORY: Nobody loves Gronk more than me: NFL goat Tom Brady opens up on potential comeback of ex teammate cum friend Gronk

Brady has not particularly cruised through the season, with the Buccaneers boasting a division leading 7-8 record. However, the remaining two regular season games will decide it all. And Brady and Co. can clinch the NFC South with a win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. And Tampa Tom will be counting on Pele’s blessings from up above.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Soumyapriyo Ganguly

964Articles

One take at a time

Soumyapriyo Ganguly is an NFL writer at Essentially Sports. He holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the Indian School of Business and Finance. Rivu is a sports nerd with his favorites being Soccer, American Football, Basketball, UFC, and Formula 1.
Show More>

Edited by:

Gideon Mathson