NEW DELHI: The footballing legend Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, brought the football-crazy city of Kolkata, often called the ‘Mecca of Indian football‘ to a standstill on September 24, 1977, exactly 47 years ago on this day.
It was a historic moment when the Brazilian superstar, then playing for New York Cosmos, visited India for a friendly match against Mohun Bagan, one of India’s oldest and most famous football clubs.
Kolkata, a city where football is more than just a sport, erupted in excitement. The streets were packed with fans, all eager to catch a glimpse of Pele, the man who had already won three World Cups with Brazil and was known globally for his extraordinary skills.
For the people of Kolkata, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the ‘King of Football’ in action on Indian soil.
The match took place at the Eden Gardens, a venue usually associated with cricket but transformed into a football stadium for the occasion.
Over 80,000 spectators filled the stadium, and many more lined the streets, straining for a chance to see Pele, who was already in the twilight of his career but still a massive crowd-puller. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting Pele’s name and waving banners in his honor.
Pele’s team Cosmos 2 2 Mohun Bagan!! 24 Sept 1977 | A great time to remember
The game itself was a thrilling contest. Mohun Bagan, led by Indian football icons like Shyam Thapa and Subrata Bhattacharya, managed to hold the star-studded New York Cosmos to a 2-2 draw. Though Pele didn’t score, his mere presence on the field mesmerized the crowd.
Pele’s visit left an indelible mark on Kolkata’s football history. It symbolized the city’s deep-rooted passion for the sport and remains a cherished memory for Indian football fans, reminding them of the day the football god graced their beloved city.