A lot of people, when a guy scores a lot of goals, think, 'He's a great player', because a goal is very important, but a great player is a player who can do everything on the field. He can do assists, encourage his colleagues, give them confidence to go forward. It is someone who, when a team does not do well, becomes one of the leaders.

In this quote, Pele challenges the common notion that a great player is solely defined by their ability to score goals. While a goal is certainly important, Pele argues that being a great player goes beyond just putting the ball in the net. A truly great player is someone who can contribute in various aspects of the game, such as providing assists, motivating teammates, and offering confidence when things aren't going well for the team. Pele emphasizes that a leader on the field is someone who influences the game in multiple ways, not just through personal achievement.

The quote highlights the idea that greatness in sports is not just about individual success, but about how a player contributes to the team as a whole. A great player can adapt to different situations, encourage others, and lift the team's morale during challenging moments. Pele's definition of greatness extends to those who can become leaders, even when the team is struggling, and help turn things around.

The origin of the quote comes from Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. His insights into the nature of leadership and teamwork are rooted in his experience at the highest levels of the sport, where he not only scored goals but also helped create opportunities and fostered team unity. Pele's view goes beyond statistics, focusing on the holistic qualities that define a truly impactful player.

Ultimately, this quote redefines what it means to be great in sports. It emphasizes that a true leader is someone who can contribute in various ways, from technical skill to emotional support for teammates. Pele’s words encourage a more inclusive and team-oriented approach to defining success, where leadership and teamwork are just as important as personal achievements.