The players I spoke to include Şükrü Ersoy, one of only two living men who played at the 1954 World Cup, and between them cover every single World Cup since then bar 1958. This has been probably my favourite project that I've ever worked on, and I'm a little sad it's over
Marking Pelé, team bonding in war-torn Vietnam, stubbing your toe when your nation’s first ever World Cup goal beckons. An alternative, international history of the World Cup, told through the 48 different stories of 48 men whose lives converge there: www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
In collaboration with @marvio.bsky.social With thanks to Zico, Eduardo Musa, Muricy Ramalho and @msavarese.bsky.social for their contributions
Back at Santos, cradle of Pelé, as Brazil's record scorer: it should be a fairytale. Yet Neymar stands for avarice and 'happiness squandered'; a possible hero, lost. As the World Cup squad looms, will he get one last chance to reclaim his story? Special report from 🇧🇷 www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...