Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, on May 8 1960, in Malmo. Pele scored two goals as Brazil won 7-1. AFP
Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, on May 8 1960, in Malmo. Pele scored two goals as Brazil won 7-1. AFP
The Brazilian striker, wearing his Santos jersey, before playing a friendly match against the French club Racing, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. AFP
The Brazilian striker, wearing his Santos jersey, before playing a friendly match against the French club Racing, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. AFP
In June 1962, in Vina del Mar, a few days before a World Cup quarter-final against England. Pele did not participate in that match and was out for the remainder of the competition after pulling a muscle during the first-round match against Czechoslovakia. AFP
In June 1962, in Vina del Mar, a few days before a World Cup quarter-final against England. Pele did not participate in that match and was out for the remainder of the competition after pulling a muscle during the first-round match against Czechoslovakia. AFP
During a break in training, at Selsdon Park Hotel in London, on May 7, 1963. Getty Images
During a break in training, at Selsdon Park Hotel in London, on May 7, 1963. Getty Images
With US politician Robert Kennedy at the Maracana, after Brazil played the Soviet Union, on November 21, 1965. Getty Images
With US politician Robert Kennedy at the Maracana, after Brazil played the Soviet Union, on November 21, 1965. Getty Images
Pele marks the 1,000th goal of his career, on December 12, 1969. Getty Images
Pele marks the 1,000th goal of his career, on December 12, 1969. Getty Images
The Brazilian striker and Bobby Moore of England exchange shirts after the World Cup Group C game at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico 7 Jun 1970. Brazil won 1-0. Getty Images
The Brazilian striker and Bobby Moore of England exchange shirts after the World Cup Group C game at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico 7 Jun 1970. Brazil won 1-0. Getty Images
Pele shoots during Brazil's match against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Reuters
Pele shoots during Brazil's match against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Reuters
Holding aloft the trophy after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final on June 21, 1970. AFP
Holding aloft the trophy after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final on June 21, 1970. AFP
Pele celebrates after Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Getty Images
Pele celebrates after Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Getty Images
The legend is surrounded by a large crowd, in March 1971, at the Champs-Elysees in Paris. AFP
The legend is surrounded by a large crowd, in March 1971, at the Champs-Elysees in Paris. AFP
Pele introduces French actress Brigitte Bardot to his teammates during a match organised in aid of cancer research in Paris, on April 1, 1971. AFP
Pele introduces French actress Brigitte Bardot to his teammates during a match organised in aid of cancer research in Paris, on April 1, 1971. AFP
A retired Pele coaches Japanese boys at the National Stadium in Tokyo, in November 1974. Getty Images
A retired Pele coaches Japanese boys at the National Stadium in Tokyo, in November 1974. Getty Images
During a training session with boys, as part of a trip to Thailand, in December 1974. AFP
During a training session with boys, as part of a trip to Thailand, in December 1974. AFP
Embracing former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton during the friendly match between Man United and Juventus, in New Jersey, July 2003. Getty Images
Embracing former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton during the friendly match between Man United and Juventus, in New Jersey, July 2003. Getty Images
Pele scores the equalising goal for the Allied Prisoners Of War, during the match against Germany, in the 1981 film 'Escape to Victory'. Reuters
Pele scores the equalising goal for the Allied Prisoners Of War, during the match against Germany, in the 1981 film 'Escape to Victory'. Reuters
Diego Maradona is greeted by guest of honour Pele after the Centenary Classic at Wembley in London, in August 1987. Getty Images
Diego Maradona is greeted by guest of honour Pele after the Centenary Classic at Wembley in London, in August 1987. Getty Images
Pele is presented with the Greatest Football Player Trophy by George Best, before an American League match between Aztecs and New York Cosmos at the Rose Bowl, in Los Angeles, April 1987. Reuters
Pele is presented with the Greatest Football Player Trophy by George Best, before an American League match between Aztecs and New York Cosmos at the Rose Bowl, in Los Angeles, April 1987. Reuters
Bill Clinton, US president at the time, plays with Pele, in October 1997, during a visit to the Mangueira School in the favela of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. AFP
Bill Clinton, US president at the time, plays with Pele, in October 1997, during a visit to the Mangueira School in the favela of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. AFP
Pele in 1992 at an appearance to promote his tie-up with a credit card company that was sponsor of the 1994 World Cup. AFP
Pele in 1992 at an appearance to promote his tie-up with a credit card company that was sponsor of the 1994 World Cup. AFP
Carrying the Olympic Torch out of Maracana Stadium, on Day 10 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, in Rio De Janiero. The Olympic Flame travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Games in Athens. AFP
Carrying the Olympic Torch out of Maracana Stadium, on Day 10 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, in Rio De Janiero. The Olympic Flame travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Games in Athens. AFP
Pele steps in fresh cement to leave his mark on the path of fame at the Maracana, in June 2000. AFP
Pele steps in fresh cement to leave his mark on the path of fame at the Maracana, in June 2000. AFP
During a friendly to celebrate his 50th birthday in Milan, on October 31, 1990. AFP
During a friendly to celebrate his 50th birthday in Milan, on October 31, 1990. AFP
Pele takes a tour of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai, on January 16, 2014. AFP
Pele takes a tour of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai, on January 16, 2014. AFP
Pele holding a framed picture of a 1973 football match between his former team Santos and UAE club Al Nasr, after receiving it from former players Mohamed Kahoor and Mohammed Al Khous in Dubai, 2014. AFP
Pele holding a framed picture of a 1973 football match between his former team Santos and UAE club Al Nasr, after receiving it from former players Mohamed Kahoor and Mohammed Al Khous in Dubai, 2014. AFP

US

Pele: Remembering the Brazil legend's White House visits

President Biden honours 'legend' who was a regular White House visitor, with Nixon and Reagan meetings

Cody Combs
Cody Combs
Washington, DC

December 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Brazilian football great Pele’s death at the age of 82 has prompted an outpouring of emotion from around the world.

Of course, he’s best known for his prowess on the pitch, but he’s also known as the man who helped take the sport from a minor curiosity to the mainstream in the US, where baseball, basketball and American football dominated for so long.

"Before there was Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, there was Pelé," US President Joe Biden said in an Instagram post.

"For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible."

"Today, Jill and I's thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him."

His popularity in 1960s and early 70s helped propel global news reports of his football skills all the way to the US, thus making Pele a household name there.

That recognition prompted him to accept several invitations to the White House to meet presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan through the years.

Pele also paid Jimmy Carter a White House visit in 1977 and presented him with a kit. Photo: Jimmy Carter Library / US National Archives
Pele also paid Jimmy Carter a White House visit in 1977 and presented him with a kit. Photo: Jimmy Carter Library / US National Archives

His star power remained well into the 1990s and beyond, prompting both presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to meet him during their respective visits to Brazil.

Mr Obama said in an Instagram post on Thursday: "Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together."

Many of the photos and videos from those meetings are forever enshrined in the US National Archives, and therefore etched in the minds of millions of Americans as well.

Although Gerald Ford was known for his American football prowess, on this day during his 1975 visit to the White House, Pele stole the spotlight. Photo: US National Archives
Although Gerald Ford was known for his American football prowess, on this day during his 1975 visit to the White House, Pele stole the spotlight. Photo: US National Archives

Perhaps one of the more memorable visits in hindsight, given the historical significance, was Pele’s first visit to the White House in 1973 to meet Richard Nixon, who would be forced to resign one year later.

Because of the now infamous tape recording system Nixon had installed in the White House, there is plenty of audio shedding light on Pele’s visit.

At first, Nixon showered the Brazilian football star with praise, but soon stumbled when he asked if Pele spoke Spanish.

Pele responded politely and corrected Nixon.

“No, Portuguese. It is all the same,” he can be heard saying.

Transcripts show an initially awkward encounter between Richard Nixon and Pele during the football star's 1973 White House visit. Photo: US National Archives
Transcripts show an initially awkward encounter between Richard Nixon and Pele during the football star's 1973 White House visit. Photo: US National Archives

Pele then pivoted the conversation.

“Soccer is very different from American football,” he said.

Nixon quickly responded with what seemed to be an attempt at a joke.

“Do I know that! The main thing is to use your head.”

Before their meeting ends, Pele shares his hopes to bring “soccer technicians” to the US to expand the sport’s popularity, while also wanting “basketball technicians” to come to Latin America from the US.

“That is a great enterprise and I wish you well,” Nixon can be heard responding, ending the conversation.

Pele played the beautiful game with Ronald Reagan and Steve Moyers in the Rose Garden during another visit to the White House in 1982. Photo: National Archives
Pele played the beautiful game with Ronald Reagan and Steve Moyers in the Rose Garden during another visit to the White House in 1982. Photo: National Archives

Pele also signed a football for Nixon before departing.

Forebodingly, shortly after Pele’s interaction with the president concludes, Nixon can be heard speaking with Don Kendall, president of Pepsi, one of Pele’s corporate sponsors, about the intensity and scrutiny growing around Nixon’s presidency due to the Watergate scandal.

After Nixon abruptly left office 1974, Pele came out of retirement in 1975 and played several years in the US for the New York Cosmos, solidifying his place in American sports and pop culture.

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

WORLD CUP SQUAD

Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep

While you're here
On Women's Day
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEducatly%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohmmed%20El%20Sonbaty%2C%20Joan%20Manuel%20and%20Abdelrahman%20Ayman%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEducation%20technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%242%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEnterprise%20Ireland%2C%20Egypt%20venture%2C%20Plus%20VC%2C%20HBAN%2C%20Falak%20Startups%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Oppenheimer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Nolan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECillian%20Murphy%2C%20Emily%20Blunt%2C%20Robert%20Downey%20Jr%2C%20Florence%20Pugh%2C%20Matt%20Damon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet

Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

Kandahar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ric%20Roman%20Waugh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EGerard%20Butler%2C%20Navid%20Negahban%2C%20Ali%20Fazal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%2C%20Manal%20Khader%2C%20Amer%20Daher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Company Profile

Company name: Big Farm Brothers

Started: September 2020

Founders: Vishal Mahajan and Navneet Kaur

Based: Dubai Investment Park 1

Industry: food and agriculture

Initial investment: $205,000

Current staff: eight to 10

Future plan: to expand to other GCC markets

While you're here
While you're here
While you're here
MATCH INFO

Sheffield United 0 Wolves 2 (Jimenez 3', Saiss 6)

Man of the Match Romain Saiss (Wolves)

While you're here
Saudi National Day
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

COMPANY PROFILE

● Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin

Director: Shawn Levy

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency
SportFootballAmericasWorld