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Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known internationally as Pelé, has signed an exclusive agreement with Global Wireless Entertainment (GWE) that will make him a video game hero of the wireless world.
Global plans to develop, distribute and market a series of 2D and 3D wireless games and information applications bearing the name, likeness and image of Pelé.
"Sports Illustrated recently acknowledged Pelé as the most popular player ever in the world's most popular sport," said GWE president Paul Buss. "It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a world-renowned celebrity."
Pelé is among several sports legends and brands being managed exclusively by GWE to extend their exposure into the wireless environment via 2D/3D cell phone games, ring tones, wallpapers and special promotions.
"Brands are just now discovering the exponential marketing opportunities available via wireless communication devices," said Buss at the E3 2005 Conference and Expo.
Industry experts project that the number of cell phone users globally will double over the next five years, from 1.5 billion to 3 billion.
"That's a tremendous market for brands that want to raise their profile and boost total impressions," said Buss. "GWE hand picks solutions from its network of global partners to execute the ideal mobile strategies for clients - to increase brand exposure, brand loyalty, convert customers, cross-market with other brands and drive sales opportunities."
Other sport legends and global brands being marketed to be shown in cell phones include Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretsky, Evel Knievel, Mario Andretti, Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, John Elway, the Harlem Globetrotters, Callaway Golf, Reef and Fox Racing.
GWE has partnered with game developers, including Superscape, to usher these branded superstars and global companies into the wireless marketplace.
GWE will showcase three of its exclusive brands - Evel Knievel, the Harlem Globetrotters and Miss Reef - at the E3 Expo May 18-19.
Global Wireless Entertainment, headquartered in San Diego, California, with offices in Australia and Germany, is a world leader in the exclusive management of brands and celebrities in mobile media.
King Pelé
Pelé was born in 1940 as Édson Arantes do Nascimento in the little town of Três Corações, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and became one of the world's most recognizable soccer stars.
Throughout his long career and until his retirement in 1977, "the King" displayed a combination of speed, skill and ball control that made him the first among the greats of Brazilian soccer.
He played for the Santos Football Club from 1956-1974, for the New York Cosmos from 1975-1977 and for four Brazilian World Cup teams.
Pelé's remarkable ascension to international stardom was solidified during the 1958 World Cup tournament when at age 17, he led Brazil to its first ever World Cup Championship.
This was followed up by another World Cup victory in 1962 and a third in 1970 that included Brazil's epic 1-0 victory over the defending champion, England.
Pelé retired from international soccer shortly afterwards, but continued to play for Santos and the New York Cosmos until 1977. The Santos club retired his number in 1975.
Thirty-five years after Pelé's last World Cup appearance, he still holds the world record for number of goals scored during a soccer career, has served as Brazil's Minister of Sports and been awarded co-athlete of the century by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the 20th Century's best soccer player by Sports Illustrated, athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee.
To this day, Pelé is still the first name to come up when the great Brazilian national soccer teams of the 20th Century are recalled.
Global Wireless Entertainment - www.gwe-usa.com.
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