Brazilian football icon – and Emirates Global Ambassador – Pele will return to the UAE this month to host a special screening of the proudest moments from his glittering career.
Pele, who was unveiled as an Emirates Ambassador in January at a press conference in Dubai, will be back in the emirate on March 16.
The three-time World Cup winner will visit the Emirates Headquarters along with the Emirates-sponsored New York Cosmos football team, of which Pele is Honorary President following his two seasons at the American club.
The screening will see Pele share and talk through 10 of his proudest moments from his career with the Brazil national team, Santos, and the Cosmos in front of an invited audience.
“This will be the first event of its kind in Dubai with such a global footballing icon. Emirates is about connecting people and passions and this is a unique example, said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Centre.
“To have Pele personally talking through these historic video clips will provide a beautiful moment in the beautiful game for those present, and for the millions of passengers who will be able to see the programme on our award-winning ice entertainment system.”
Pele first visited the UAE in 1973 with Santos for a match against Al Nasr. Upon his return to Dubai in January, the 73-year-old was surprised by a few former players who had turned out for Nasr and was gifted a photograph from the match.
Meanwhile, the New York Cosmos, with whom Pele won the North American Soccer League (NASL) Soccer Bowl and NASL Soccer Atlantic Conference Championship in 1977, are currently training in Dubai.
The Cosmos have played one friendly match – a 1-0 defeat to Al Shabab – and will take on Al Wasl at the Zabeel Stadium on Tuesday.
Pele's arrival in Dubai will coincide with the launch of a competition from Emirates that will see the winner receive the 'Ultimate Pele Experience'. Those interested in taking part are being advised to keep updated with the official Emirates Facebook page.