When Pelé arrived at the Cosmos in 1975, American soccer was, in the words of Gavin Newsham, "dying a slow, painful and largely unnoticed death". Soccer was not taken seriously by the bulk of the American media, which often sent junior reporters to cover matches played in front of almost-empty stands. The signing of Pelé by the Cosmos transformed soccer across the country: Within days of his arrival, the increased media attention had caused the Cosmos' office staff to increase from five people to more than 50.
The Brazilian's arrival reversed the fortunes of not only the declining Cosmos, but the perception of the entire league; with the credibility that Pelé gave it, soccer became a viable alternative to "American" sports such as basketball, baseball and American football.
The Cosmos in particular, became an internationally famous club –American sports commentator Gavin Newsham called them "the most glamorous team in world football", while ESPN's David Hirshey later described them as "soccer demigods".The Cosmos as the flagship team of the NASL, embodied what Hirshey labelled the "nexus of soccer and showbiz".
After Pelé signed for New York, many other European and South American stars came to the United States to play alongside him and for other NASL franchises.
The Los Angeles Aztecs, for example, brought George Best and Johan Cruyff to the US in 1976 and 1979 respectively. Cosmos road trips, described by travelling secretary Steve Marshall as "like traveling with the Rolling Stones", saw the team pack out each stadium it visited. At home the team attracted numerous high-profile supporters and became regular patrons of the well-known New York night club Studio 54.
While soccer had previously been largely ignored by the American press, the Cosmos and other NASL teams now became regular fixtures on the back pages.
After one Cosmos home game in 1977 attracted a crowd of over 77,000 spectators ...America realised that the beautiful game, like the pilgrim fathers...... had arrived.
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Men's Sizes
| Size |
Chest (cm/inches) |
Waist (cm/inches) |
| X Small |
84cm / 33" |
68cm / 27" |
| Small |
92cm / 36" |
76cm / 30" |
| Medium |
100cm / 39" |
84cm / 33" |
| Large |
108cm / 42½" |
92cm / 36" |
| X Large |
116cm / 46" |
100cm / 39" |
| 2X Large |
124cm / 49" |
108cm / 42½" |
| 3X Large |
132cm / 52" |
116cm / 46" |
| 4X Large |
140cm / 55" |
124cm / 49"
|
Cosmos Blackout Jacket
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Umbro New York Cosmos Polo Shirt
rrp: £35
PRICE: £14.99
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Umbro New York Cosmos Jacket
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Umbro New York Cosmos Track Jacket
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Cosmos Blackout Tee Shirt
rrp: £50
PRICE: £9.99
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Cosmos Pele 1977 Vintage Shirt
rrp: £50
PRICE: £19.99
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Cosmos Hooded Fleece Jacket
rrp: £50
PRICE: £28.99
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Cosmos Blackout Jersey
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Cosmos Vintage Track Jacket
rrp: £50
PRICE: £19.99
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Cosmos Over Head Hoody
rrp: £50
PRICE: £14.99
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Cosmos Vintage Drill Top Sweat
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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New York Cosmos Mens Fleece Pants
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Umbro New York Cosmos Hoodie
rrp: £50
PRICE: £16.99
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Umbro New York Cosmos Football
rrp: £15
PRICE: £4.99
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Cosmos Messenger Bag Backpack
rrp: £30
PRICE: £11.99
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