6 October 1976 - The Changing Of The Guard In Brazil

On 6 October 1976, Pelé returned to the Brazilian national team after a five-year absence to make one last appearance in a friendly against Flamengo.

His last official appearance was in a 2-2 draw with Yugoslavia on 18 July 1971, but he continued to play at the club level. In 1976, he was in his second of three seasons with the New York Cosmos when he got the call to play again for Brazil in an exhibition against Rio club Flamengo at the Maracaña.

In addition to Pelé, Brazil's starting eleven included fellow stars Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, and Rivelino, while Flamengo's team included up-and-coming Seleçao players Zico and Júnior, who would combine for over 140 appearances over the next decade.

As it turned out, the young guns outdid the old hands as Flamengo won 2-0 with goals from Paulinho and Luís Paulo.