It's hard to see the intangibles of most athletes. They donate tons to charities, start foundations, give speeches, work with kids, etc. Who can count how many kids were inspired enough by his play or works or interactions to be 'saved', the world will never know. Surely more on all counts than you or me.

It's kinda blind to reduce him to 'a ball kicker.' Sure, he did that, but not only that.

You can't just decide for the rest of the world what it important and what is unimportant.

I mean, many people tried, but the outcome is typically devastating.

You seem fun

I am open to constructive criticism.

Pelé impacted politics through his game [Nigerian war, cold war]. Many countries behind the Iron Courtain could not get Western news, but when Pelé was playing even the dictators allowed watching the games.

> Meanwhile, many great people who did amazing things are unknown to the public.

It would be more constructive if you provided a list or reference.

Does this mean that unless everyone who you deem great and worthy get praise, people can't respect humans they heard of, grew up watching or had as idols?

In Pele's case, you really should read about that man and what he did outside the game he was famous for.

You're someone who managed to find hackernews, make an account and you have no excuse for not informing yourself before writing such a stupid comment. Correct it next time you get the urge to classify who should praise who and when.

A guy that was so good at shooting balls that stopped a civil war for 48 hours just by playing a game.

Could you name someone who did an amazing thing and died today who isn't in the news?

Amongst all unimportant subjects, football is by far the most important.

(Pope John Paul II according to a quick Google search)