skin He was one of the most important footballers in the history of Brazilian football and also one of the most outstanding of all time according to experts. Since the well-known “O Rei” is a representative figure of this sport, it was clear to everyone who would be his successor and to the surprise of many, the Brazilian chose one Peruvian soccer player.
Below we tell you more details about the time when Pelé chose his football heir.
Peru at the World Cup in Mexico (1970)
When the 1970 World Cup took place, the Blanquirroja were placed in Group D with West Germany, Morocco and Bulgaria, the latter being one of the favorites and having to start with. Despite the fact that the Bulgarian team won, the Bicolor team managed to win 3-2 and Teófilo Cubillas, at just 21 years old, scored the last goal that allowed us to enter the next round.
The Peru team in 1970. Photo: ESPN
Later, the Peruvian team defeated Morocco with goals from “Nene”, who was still wearing the blue and white jersey at the time. Later Peru faced West Germany and although they were also a strong rival they were defeated 3-1.
In the quarterfinals and with four points, the Blanquirroja had to face Brazil, which they could not beat as the Canarinha were in their footballing prime and at the helm was none other than Pelé, who played his last World Cup at 30 years.
Pelé names his successor
Although our teams failed to win the cup, the truth is that they kept the Peru name high. One of the most outstanding was Teófilo Cubillas, who was one of the best footballers in the world in the 1970s and was even named his successor by Pelé himself.
Teófilo Cubillas stated that it was “an honor” to play with Pelé at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Photo: masks
“Don’t worry, I already have a successor and that’s Teófilo Cubillas (…). He has everything you need to be the best in our football,” said the “Black Pearl” at the time.
‘Nene’ Cubillas was not indifferent to Pelé’s praise and thanked him for considering him his footballing heir.
“Pelé is a great winner and has always been a role model for everyone. I have a special affection for him because he has always treated me very well and generously. When I arrived in Peru after the World Cup, I went to read the newspaper and saw that Pelé said that he could become one of his successors. It was a big compliment and very important for me,” explained the highest reference of Peruvian football in an interview with the Brazilian federation in 2020.