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The CIA Recruited Pelé?
One of our government's greatest heists. A look into the CIA mission that brought Pelé to the New York Cosmos.
The CIA Recruited Pelé
Newsweek
It’s one of the greatest heists in history. This week, we look back at the CIA mission that brought Pelé to the NY Cosmos. It felt fitting after our Brazil-themed event this past weekend. Plus, we highlight the 10th anniversary of a painful moment in US soccer lore, show you around Wilson’s Gallery, and much more.
This week’s stories:
😭 Where’s Wondo?
🖼️ Wild Weekend
🤝 The CIA Recruited Pelé
🗣️ The GGG Rant
🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers
➡️ And More
OUR HISTORY
Where’s Wondo?
The Fumble
As if we needed any more pain this morning. Aside from getting knocked out of Copa America, yesterday was also the anniversary of the USA-Belgium game at the 2014 World Cup.
The match is remembered for Tim Howard’s record-breaking 16 saves, but it’s also remembered for Chris Wondolowski’s unreal miss in front of goal. It’s a miss that will — perhaps unjustly — haunt his legacy.
If you want to wallow in more USMNT pain, you can relive that moment here.
CLUBELEVEN
Wild Weekend
@thisis.val
It was two incredible nights of soccer, art, friends, caipirinhas, and Copa America.
Thank you to all those who came, donated to the Wilson Favela Project, and made our first event of the year one to remember. We’d also like to give a special shout-out to KidSuper for hosting us in the studio this weekend and to all the artists who trusted us to share their work!
Check out all the photos from the event.
COVER STORY
The CIA Recruited Pelé
Pelé via X
It was 1975, and Pelé had recently been named a national treasure by the Brazilian government.
All signs pointed to the mighty soccer star staying in his home country and retiring there. That is until Henry Kissinger and the CIA stepped in.
In a wild turn of events, the former Secretary of State made a trip to Brazil to make his case for why Pelé should play in the US. Also, since “O Rei” had been named a national treasure by the Brazilian government, Kissinger had to convince the nation to let Pelé leave the country and go to the States.
Aside from this curious turn of events, there are also declassified CIA memos that detail Kissinger and other dignitaries’ meetings with Pelé at the White House.
OBITUARIES
The GGG Rant
FOX
Does it rival the iconic Taylor Twellman rant after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup? Not exactly.
However, it does hit on many crucial points to consider after an early exit at Copa America. I don’t often agree with Alexi, but this take is pretty spot on.
CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section
Who is most responsible for the Copa America failure?Let it all out. |
Let us know your thoughts — we’ll highlight your best answers next week!
CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates
Kansas City Star
Seventeen: That’s the unbeaten tally for the KC Current in NWSL. A new record.
Vote: It’s down to just a few finalists. Get your say on naming the latest USL W team.
Hey Now: The MLS All-Star squad is out for this year. Did your favorites make the cut?
Olympia: You love to see grassroots clubs earn record-breaking crowds. Little by little.
World Cup: The US Women’s Amputee Soccer Team is headed to the World Cup, and they’ve just opened up donations to make their dream a reality. Check it out.
ART
Tuesday Pickup
Tuesday Pickup
Finally had the chance to see one of these in person.
Over the past few years, @tuesdaypickup has taken soccer upcycling to another level. His ability to turn soccer staples like boots and cleats into gorgeous pieces of art is unmatched.
From miniature sailboats to clocks and vases, you need to check out his work. Oh, and he does commissions.
SUMMER
The Henny Derby
Nico Polo
It might just be the perfect way to kick off the summer.
Nothing quite beats the rivalry between Richmond and Forward Madison. The funny thing is that it all started over a bottle of Hennessy.
Tomorrow, this crazy derby will be streamed on CBS Sports Network. You love to see it.
CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️
Last week, we asked you if you were going to Copa America this summer. Here are some of your answers:
“I would have loved to go but tickets even for less high profile match-ups are very expensive ” - John
“No. Outrageous prices.” - M
In the poll, “No, it’s too expensive” won with 54% of the vote. It’s an unsurprising result, and it’s quite frustrating that most of us have been priced out of seeing this tournament.
UP NEXT
Knockouts
Lorena Barros
It’s been a whirlwind of a week, but we’ve had a blast getting to cover the Group Stages of Copa America. Now all eyes turn to the knockouts, and we hope to be there to bring you as close as possible to these games. Fingers crossed.
Follow along on our coverage from across the country right here.
Enjoying This?
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Have a great Tuesday!
Pablo