The Brazilian star faced the emblematic Malian player Salif Keita in a friendly in 1971, this match particularly marked Pelé.
They are not very numerous, these players who have managed to earn the respect of the Brazilian genius Pelé, Edson Arantes Do Nacimento of his real name. Triple world champion and still considered the best player in the history of football, Pelé has however at least once in his career been held in check by an African, in the person of Salif Keita.
On March 31, 1971 in Colombes (Ile-de-France), Salif Keita and King Pelé faced each other in a friendly match between “an ASSE-OM agreement” and Santos. Throughout the meeting, the Malian stole the show from the triple world champion by performing an extraordinary performance, which had left no one indifferent. “Yes, it was a match organized in Colombes, Saint-Étienne-Marseille met Santos. I had a good game, but I can’t say it eclipsed Pelé. He was truly a legend. He was very nice to me. But Pelé, it’s still Pelé” confides in all modesty Salif Keita.
Salif Keita is a legend of African football, winner of the very first African Golden Ball in 1970. Thirteen times selected for the national team for eleven goals scored, he is with this Eagles team, finalist of the African Games in 1965 and the Cup d’Afrique des nations in 1972. He is also one of the very first Africans to shine in Europe, where he notably played for Saint-Étienne, Marseille, Valence and Sporting Portugal.
