Agreement
Did you know before the 1970 World Cup quarterfinal between Brazil and Peru Pele made an arrangement with his boot sponsor worth a then staggering US$120,000, that is the equivalent of roughly US$800,000 in 2020 with all things inflation taken into consideration. Pele was wearing Puma football boots custom made by his sponsors. The deal to earn the bonus sponsor pay required Pele to ask the referee to delay the kick off as he tied his laces.
As preempted by Puma, the cameras pulled focus on Pele and his unlaced Puma boots, thereby creating what can arguably be deemed as the world’s first viral football promotion during a live game.
Three Stripes Versus Puma
The book Three Stripes Versus Puma reported that Pele was paid an incredible US$120,000. Brazil went on to win the World Cup that year. It was the third time Pele lifted the trophy following success in 1958 and 1962 respectfully. If anyone every tells you modern players are all about those sponsor deals, maybe this story is worth reminding them of the origins of player marketing.