Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Brazilian forward Pele are definitely among the best, if not the best in football and soccer. The mutual appreciation has been made clear on repeated occasions, but perhaps the two most famous were from the former Santos player to the former New England Patriots passer.
Pele’s congratulations to Tom Brady for his tenth Super Bowl
Pele’s message to Tom Brady before Super Bowl LV
Almost a couple of years before his death, Pele congratulated Brady prior to the quarterback’s appearance in his tenth Super Bowl, the same one in which he would end up lifting his seventh Vince Lombardi Trophy at the expense of Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. Edson Arantes do Nascimento dedicated these words to TB12 prior to the game.
“Tom Brady, my friend! I wish you success in your 10th NFL Super Bowl! After all, you know this is my lucky number, right?” Pele wrote on Instagram.
The Brazilian star used #10 throughout his career and Brady has so far reached 10 Super Bowls, which is an all-time record, however, the story doesn’t end there.
Brazil legend dies aged 82 after battle with cancer
Pele’s emotional message to Tom Brady after his retirement announcement
On February 1, Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 seasons at the highest level, that same day, Pele again used Instagram where he posted a picture of himself with the University of Michigan graduate in which they exchanged memorabilia years ago. The three-time World Cup champion wore a Pats helmet and “Tom Terrific” held an autographed soccer ball in his hands.
“My friend Tom Brady, congratulations on your beautiful journey,” Pele wrote. “You are a legend. As of today, an era in sport also ends. The decision to stop is difficult, but you are right. In this life we lead, there is no possibility of surrendering less than 100%. Before, I was rooting for your victory in the games. Now I keep hoping that your life will always be full of achievements. Now that you will have more time, when you stop by, I expect a hug from you and Gisele.”
The unfulfilled wish of Gisele Bündchen’s hug to Pele
Two things did not materialize, in the first instance Brady did not retire because 40 days later he reversed that decision, which according to a report by Page Six was the trigger for the annoyance of his then wife Gisele Bündchen that ended up generating the divorce of this couple after 13 years of marriage.
Therefore, “O’Rei” probably never received the hug he asked Brady for from the former Victoria’s Secret Angel.