New York Cosmos picture special: The original stars and stripes

By Sportsmail Reporter

It's kind of a mix between football and art. That's how legend Eric Cantona has described the rebirth of the New York Cosmos as he bids to bring back the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s in his role as the club's new director of soccer. Sportsmail looks back at the golden era when giants of the game like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Johan Neeskens gave the Cosmos a unique showbiz style on and off the field.

Out of this world: New director of soccer Eric Cantona (left) and Pele during the glory days



Shooting stars: The Cosmos failed to land Johan Cruyff (left) and George Best (right) although the Dutchman did play a few exhibition matches



Gang of four: Carlos Alberto, Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, who played for the Washington Diplomats, and Pele UK stars who earned their stripes

GEORGE BEST

Los Angeles Aztecs Fort Lauderdale Strikers San Jose Earthquakes HARRY REDKNAPP

Seattle Sounders GRAEME SOUNESS

Montreal Olympique SAM ALLARDYCE

Tampa Bay Rowdies BOBBY ROBSON

Vancouver Royals JOHNNY GILES

Philadelphia Fury

GORDON BANKS

Fort Lauderdale Strikers MARK LAWRENSON

Tampa Bay Rowdies TREVOR FRANCIS

Detroit Express DENNIS TUEART

New York Cosmos WILLIE JOHNSTON

Vancouver Whitecaps BOBBY MOORE

San Antonio Thunder Seattle Sounders









High five: New York Cosmos were NASL champions in 1972, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982

Hanz up: Franz Beckenbauer celebrates scoring the winning penalty in a play-off against the Minnesota Kicks

Famous friends: Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore at Pele's last game in 1977

Champions: Pele holds the flags of Brazil and the USA after he played one half for Cosmos and Santos in his final game

Fitting tribute: The Scoreboard after Pele's last game







