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Edson Arantes do Nascimento (deceased) better known by his nickname Pelé was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. In 2000, Pelé was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognized as a Guinness World Record.

Offered is an 8.5” x 11” typed letter signed on Warner Communications letterhead from May 9, 1980.  He writes that he will most likely be out of town to make a presentation if Giorgio (Chinaglia) break the NASL record.  However, he would be rooting hard for him to score the record-breaking goal as soon as possible.  This has been encapsulated Authentic by PSA/DNA and signed Edson Arantes (his legal name).

Giorgio Chinaglia was Pele’s teammate (along with Franz Beckenbauer) with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. Chinaglia won four league titles, and retired in 1983 as the NASL's all-time leading goal scorer with 193 goals. In 1980 Chinaglia scored a record 50 goals in regular- and post-season play, plus another 26 in friendly matches. In all matches played, including friendly, exhibition and pre-season games, Chinaglia scored 734 goals, giving him a lifetime average of a goal a game.