The nickname “Pelé” is globally synonymous with football excellence, primarily associated with the legendary Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento. However, in the rich tapestry of Argentine football history, the moniker “Pelé” has also been attributed to certain players whose prowess on the field drew parallels to the Brazilian icon. This article delves into the Argentine footballers who earned the nickname “Pelé” during their careers, exploring the origins and significance of this association.
The Universality of the Nickname “Pelé”
The name “Pelé” transcends national boundaries, symbolizing exceptional talent and skill in football. In Argentina, a country with a deep-rooted football culture, the nickname has been bestowed upon players who exhibited extraordinary abilities reminiscent of the Brazilian Pelé. This practice underscores the universal language of football, where talent is recognized and celebrated across cultures.
Armando Dely Valdés: The Panamanian “Pelé” in Argentina
Armando Dely Valdés, born on January 5, 1964, in Colón, Panama, was a remarkable forward whose football journey led him to Argentina. His exceptional skills on the field earned him the nickname “Pelé” during his tenure with Argentinos Juniors, a prominent Argentine club.
Early Career and Arrival in Argentina
Dely Valdés began his professional career with Técnica y Deportes in Panama. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts from Argentinos Juniors, leading to his transfer to the Argentine club in 1983. At Argentinos Juniors, Dely Valdés quickly established himself as a formidable striker, contributing significantly to the team’s successes during the mid-1980s.
Achievements with Argentinos Juniors
During his time with Argentinos Juniors, Dely Valdés was instrumental in securing several titles for the club:
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Primera División Argentina: The team clinched back-to-back championships in the Metropolitano 1984 and Nacional 1985 tournaments.
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Copa Libertadores: In 1985, Argentinos Juniors triumphed in South America’s most prestigious club competition, with Dely Valdés playing a pivotal role.
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Copa Interamericana: The club added this title to their accolades in 1985, further cementing their dominance in the region.
Dely Valdés’s remarkable goal-scoring ability and on-field charisma drew comparisons to the Brazilian Pelé, leading fans and media to bestow the same nickname upon him. This moniker was a testament to his impact and the high regard in which he was held within Argentine football circles.
Later Career and Legacy
After his successful stint with Argentinos Juniors, Dely Valdés continued his career with other clubs, including Instituto de Córdoba and San Martín de Tucumán in Argentina, as well as teams in Israel and Uruguay. Despite his travels, his most memorable and impactful performances remained those with Argentinos Juniors.
Tragically, Dely Valdés’s life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack in 2001, leading to a coma from which he never recovered. He passed away on August 17, 2004. In honor of his contributions to football, the Panamanian Football Federation renamed the Árabe Unido football stadium to Estadio Armando Dely Valdés.
Manuel Pelegrina: The Argentine “Pelé”
Another notable figure in Argentine football who bore a similar nickname was Manuel Gregorio Pelegrina. Born on November 29, 1919, in Córdoba, Argentina, Pelegrina was a prolific left winger renowned for his goal-scoring prowess.
Career with Estudiantes de La Plata
Pelegrina’s football career was predominantly associated with Estudiantes de La Plata, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. His remarkable tally of 234 goals in 489 matches stands as a testament to his enduring talent and consistency.
Skillful “Pelé” :
Those who have said Pele is not a world class dribbler require an education. Pele was one of the most incredible dribblers in history, and among the top 3 most effective.
Top 5 players scoring goals from a dribble in history
1 Pele 135 dribbled goals
2 Messi 110 dribbled goals
3 Romario 84 dribbled goals
4 Cruyff 62 dribbled goals
5 Puktas 52 dribbled goals
How can the man who scored by far the most dribbled goals – even more than Messi managed in an era when defenders cannot tackle or kick you! – and more than Maradona, R9 and Zico added together (!) be “not great” at dribbling?
For the uneducated gentleman above who works as a manager, suggesting some players pass the ball ahead and run after it.. this IS one of the 3 forms of dribbling.
1 Pressure avoidance dribble – dribble between gaps away from defenders quickly and adjust your direction or pace so no defender can come close to you
2 Speed dribbling – pass the ball ahead a certain distance and chase ball calculating you will get there first
3 Trick/change of pace dribbling – allow defenders closer but do a trick and then change pace or direction and escape from a defender
Pele used all 3 techniques , but he was a master of the 3rd.
Maradona used 2 and 3 mainly – he actually used 2 more than pele
Romario used 1 whenever possible, using exquisite first touch and IQ to move the ball such that defenders cannot reach him; also great at 2 outside the box; and used 3 inside the box where you need the ball close for a shot.
Given Romario was no athlete, his dribbling stats are perhaps the most incredible of all.
Achievements and Legacy
During his tenure with Estudiantes, Pelegrina contributed to the team’s victories in the Copa Adrián C. Escobar in 1944 and the Copa General Pedro Ramírez in 1945. His exceptional performances on the field earned him the nickname “Payo,” a testament to his skill and popularity among fans.
Pelegrina’s legacy extends beyond his goal-scoring records; he is remembered as one of the finest left-wingers in Argentine football history. His dedication to the sport and his club left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of footballers.
The Significance of the “Pelé” Moniker in Argentine Football
The attribution of the nickname “Pelé” to players like Armando Dely Valdés and the similar-sounding “Pelegrina” to Manuel Gregorio Pelegrina highlights a cultural phenomenon in football: the tendency to draw parallels between emerging talents and established legends. In Argentina, a nation with a rich football heritage, such comparisons serve to honor players who exhibit extraordinary skill and flair reminiscent of global icons.
It’s important to note that while these nicknames draw inspiration from the Brazilian Pelé, they also reflect the unique identities and contributions of the players within the Argentine football landscape. The monikers symbolize a blend of respect for the original Pelé’s legacy and recognition of the players’ individual talents that resonate with fans and communities.
Conclusion
The nickname “Pelé” carries a weighty legacy in the world of football, symbolizing unparalleled talent and achievement. In Argentina, this moniker has been bestowed upon players like Armando Dely Valdés, whose exceptional skills drew favorable comparisons to the Brazilian legend. Similarly, Manuel Pelegrina’s remarkable career earned him a revered place in Argentine football history.
These instances underscore the universal nature of football as a sport that transcends borders and cultures, with nicknames serving as a bridge connecting talents across the globe. The stories of these players enrich the rich tapestry of Argentine football, highlighting how the legacy of a name can inspire and elevate athletes to legendary status in their own right.
