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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.