via FIFA
In most cases, people can do little about their first names. Ultimately, it is a decision taken at such an early stage in life that any choice over the matter is virtually impossible.
They are often passed down through generations or simply selected for their beauty or sound, but in the case of Edson Buddle, the source of his forename is rather different. He was named after one of the greatest and most famous footballers of all time: Pele, or Edson Arantes do Nascimento to be precise.
The 30-year-old striker, whose Jamaica-born dad Winston was also a professional footballer, told FIFA.com: “That’s right, my father was a big fan of Pele. Of course I never really had a say in it, but I think it’s a great honour if your father names you after such a great person.”
With such an iconic namesake to live up to as well as a footballer father, Buddle’s path to becoming a professional player was almost predestined. “My dad only ever wanted me to play football as a kid,” he revealed. “I doubt he would ever have guessed I’d get so far, but he’s very happy about it.”
More on FIFA.com’s Interview w/ Edson Buddle after the Jump…….
