3 days to go

There is only one Edison Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele. The legendary Brazilian played in four World Cups and picked up winners’ medals on three occasions, an achievement unmatched in world football.

The first of his medals came in 1958 when, as an unknown 17-year-old, Pele burst into the limelight, smashing records and goals alike.

He became the youngest player to score in the tournament (v Wales QF), the youngest to player to score a hat-trick (v France SF) and the youngest player to score in a Final (v Sweden) and finished with six goals.

In 1962 injury conspired to keep Pele playing beyond the second game of the tournament and he was a spectator as his team-mates went on to lift the Trophy for a second time.

The ’66 tournament saw England break Brazil’s monopoly on the title, while many of Brazil’s opposition looked to break Pele.

Some serious foul play against the South American curtailed their bid for a third successive title, but it would be Pele who would have the last laugh, when he ended his World Cup career with victory in 1970.

It was a fitting finale for one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.