Shoeshine Boy

by Laurence Anholt

Published 3 June 2010
Brazilian footballer Pele is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. This beautifully illustrated and lyrically written book tells the inspiring story of how his dream of playing football for his country began as he polished ths shoes of spectators going into Rio de Janeiro's stadium. Growing up in a poor district of Rio, Pele did not have a ball but would kick about with anything to hand - a grapefruit was a particular favourite. His father, a professional footballer himself, spotted his talent, but it was the hugely anticipated World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay to be played in Rio itself that gripped his imagination. Too poor to afford tickets, he and his family listened to the radio commentary in despair as Uruguay won the match. Pele's father was in tears and at that Pele determined that he would one day lead the Brazilian team to World Cup victory. Many years later he did just that not once but three times.