Brazilian legend Pele to be given honorary degree by Edinburgh University

• Pele to receive honorary degree from Edinburgh University

• Widely regarded to be the greatest footballer of all time

The award, the first from a European university, was being presented at a special reception in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London today which is showcasing the sporting and cultural achievements of the uni. He will also be presented with a University strip.

Pele, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, has been Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport and a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment since retiring from football.

The university said the award celebrated his “significant contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes” as well as his obvious sporting achievements.

Uni principal Professor Timothy O’Shea said Pele was the “epitome of sporting brilliance”.

“He has also devoted time and energy to countless charitable causes throughout the world, and we honour him for his outstanding contribution,”