In a unique story, the Brazilian legend Pelé visited Lebanon in April 1975 as part of a global exhibition tour with his team, New York Cosmos.

His visit to Beirut came just days before the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. His appearance at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium drew more than 35,000 fans for a friendly match between the Lebanese club Nejmeh SC and a French university team.

Pelé plays with Nejmeh against a French university team. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

According to L'Orient-Le Jour, Pelé played only the first half of the match. He started as a goalkeeper before moving to his usual attacking position.

Despite his presence on the field, Nejmeh won the match 2–0, with goals scored by Youssef Al Ghoul and Ahmad Chatila.

Pelé with the Nejmeh team in Beirut. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

On the night before the match, around 100 journalists gathered for a press conference with Pelé in the ballroom of the Holiday Inn Beirut, where he answered their questions.

Pelé during the press conference. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

The Daily Star described the press conference as extremely crowded and noted in its match report that Nejmeh’s victory was well deserved and inspiring in Pelé’s presence.

Pelé wearing the Nejmeh club jersey. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

In addition to his time on the field, Pelé also conducted a two hour training session at the Green Field of the American University of Beirut during his week long visit to Lebanon, assisted by coach Julio Mazzei and 44 young football players.

Pelé during his stay in Beirut. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

Pelé’s visit to Beirut and his move to New York Cosmos were partly the result of political involvement from the United States.

Pelé wearing traditional Lebanese headwear. (L’Orient-Le Jour)

After his death, the American University of Beirut’s Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Simon Kachar, shared a collection of photos showing Pelé playing and coaching students on the university’s football field, revealing that the event had been featured in the university’s bulletin.

Pelé on the #AUB Greenfield playing and training students in 1975. Featured as well in the AUB Bulletin
(Photos and documents courtesy of AUB Libraries - Archives and Special Collections) @AUB_Lebanon pic.twitter.com/Svqlfj2dEJ

— Simon Kachar 🇱🇧 🇦🇷 (@simonkachar) December 30, 2022

Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82.