The interview of a lifetime?

Text by Yassine Khiri , AFP journalist at the Digital/Culture hub

The huge wave of emotion sparked by Pelé’s death has for millions of people worldwide (sports fans or not) reminded them of the uniqueness of the “King” of football for he was the only footballer in history to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970).

For me, the memory that burns eternally in my mind was his last visit to France, where I had the opportunity to interview him for AFP -- Franck Fife (photographer) and Eden Ezra (video) also came along as the agency devoted all their available different media resources which was worthy of such a towering figure in sport. This picture reflects the momentousness of my experience with the great man.

It was spring 2019 – April the 2nd – and the occasion was too good to turn down: it came a few months after France won the 2018 World Cup as a meeting had been set up in Paris between Pelé, 78 at that time, and Kylian Mbappé, 20, predicted to be one of those talented enough to inherit the mantle of the greatest of all time.  

The King and the Dauphin came together at a Parisian palace for an event organised by their mutual sponsor.

Five minutes only – in the end, that was the time they granted us to record the exclusive and privileged interaction between the two men – carefully watched over by their respective entourages.

Needless to say I had to abandon my (very long) list of questions and only kept the most important ones. 😊 In spite of the tight timing the discussion was rich and intense, punctuated by displays of affection and knowing smiles.

Already frail by that time, Pelé answered the questions in fluent English in what was one of his last public appearances.

That day they established a real connection which remained to the last. Even from his hospital bed in Sao Paulo, Pelé had a final word for his “dear friend” on December 18 after despite his hat-trick France lost to Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in a penalty shoot-out in the World Cup final.

“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING” reacted Kylian Mbappé after Pelé’s death.

Here is the link to read the interview (in English): u.afp.com/pele

EXTRACTS:

Question: Kylian, would you have thought that one day you’d meet Pelé, even in your wildest dreams?

Mbappé: No, even when I was a child, I thought that’d be impossible! I’d never thought I’d meet him. Football has given me so many opportunities to make my dreams come true, even the ones I thought impossible. Meeting Pelé was one of those dreams, I am proud and elated.

Question: Pelé, what is Kylian missing to become the new "King"?

Pelé: It all depends on how many goals he scores! (To Mbappé:) How many have you scored?

Mbappé: Ninety-two. (Editor’s note: on 30 December 2022, the French player has scored more than 250 goals in competitive matches according to Opta.)

Pelé: There’s still a lot to go then! (laughs)