The death of Brazil’s football icon Pelé also affects Germany’s record international Lothar Matthäus. The RTL international match expert met the legend, who died on Thursday at the age of 82, in Herzogenaurach in 1969 – the memory of it is still present.
Lothar Matthäus bows to Pelé with a very personal video message and anecdote on RTL. The German record player received his very first autograph from the Brazilian – the whole story in the video above.
The news of Pelé’s death sparked grief around the world. The German record national player Lothar Matthäus says goodbye to the 82-year-old in a video message for RTL.
“It is sad news for the whole world,” Matthew begins. “He was a great personality, a role model for everyone and above all always a person who radiated joy and love.”
Back then, 1969: When little Matthew met the big Pelé
One who gave so much to football. “Me too,” explains the 61-year-old, recounting a personal anecdote from Pelé’s childhood.
In 1969, the three-time world champion visited the German sporting goods manufacturer Puma in Herzogenaurach, Franconia, with his heart club, FC Santos.
The place where Matthew grew up. Little Lothar, eight years old, met the legend Pelé there, who was 29 at the time. And the eternal number 10 left great memories with Matthew.
“I took my first autograph home with me,” says the RTL international match expert about the meeting.
Matthew about Pelé: The best that ever existed on the soccer field
Pelé was already a world star at the time, and the following year became world champion for the third time with Brazil. He spent more years in Santos before moving to New York.
In the years that followed, Matthäus developed into a star in the Bundesliga and in Italy at Inter Milan, before he imitated the great Pelé and kicked off his career in the “Big Apple” in the fall.
Even after their first encounter, he repeatedly had “nice and personal meetings” with Pelé. The Brazilian’s friendship with Franz Beckenbauer also brought Matthäus and Pelé together.
“He always had an open ear, always had time,” says Matthäus, for whom it is clear: “The best there has ever been on the football field.” And further: “Rest in peace, all the best to his family. I’m proud that I was able to meet you personally! Bye, Pele.”