The goal considered the most beautiful of his career Skin (1940-2022) survived only in the memory and reports of those who witnessed it.
The play took place on August 2, 1959 in a match between Santos and Juventus, at the Conde Rodolfo Crespi stadium, on Rua Javari, east side of São Paulo — but it was not filmed, which helped feed its mythology.
Now, based on historical research and reports from those who saw the goal live, the Google recreated the play with artificial intelligenceusing the Gemini Omni, Veo 3 and Nano Banana models.
The announcement was made by the company’s president in Brazil, Fábio Coelho, this Wednesday (10), in São Paulo. Google declined to provide details or images beyond what it showed on a stage for guests.
The undertaking is a partnership with the estate and Pele’s family. To recreate the mythical goal, Google also worked with a team of photojournalists, historians and researchers — and used a photograph from the time.
One of those interviewed was Pepe, the only living player who was on Pelé’s team, and the idea is to release the images in a documentary at the end of June.
Pele was 18 years old when he scored the goal from Rua Javari. The king had opened the scoring in the 24th minute of the first half against Juventus and increased the score in the 7th minute of the second.
The youth fans — around 10 thousand people, according to reports — then decided to antagonize the star. With every touch of the ball, boos came from the stands.
In an attack attempt by Juventus, Santos steals the ball and starts a counterattack. Right-winger Durval then advances and launches the ball towards the edge of the area, where Pelé, marked by a rival, was waiting.
Without letting the ball touch the ground, Pelé throws a half-moon at Julinho. Then the ball bounces for the last time in a five-second move, Pelé throws a hat at Homero, gives another to Clovis — without letting the ball fall — and, still without letting the ball touch the ground, hits goalkeeper Mão de Onça, who falls face down on the grass. Pelé then scores the goal with a header from the edge of the small area.
Seconds later, the king created one of the most famous celebrations in the world soccer: the punch in the air. Juventus’ own rivals applauded the star and, before the game resumed, went to congratulate him.
It’s not the first time the play has been recreated with the help of technology. In 2004, the documentary “Pelé Eterno” recreated the goal with the help of computer graphics, but the resources available at the time fell short of what generative AI tools allow us to do today.
