We study the aerodynamic forces acting on a soccer ball. Analyzing the video of a famous shot by Pelé, we show that a curious phenomenon, the drag crisis, greatly influenced the motion of the ball. The Magnus effect, caused by the rotation of the ball, was also important to the outcome of the kick. Using a computer code that simulates the flight of balls we discuss several aspects of Pelé's shot and of soccer physics, in particular bending kicks and Didi's dry leaf.
physics of sports; soccer; drag crisis; Magnus force
