Famous ginger people, part one

There's been lots of famous ginger people throughout history. It's good to know that these role models exist, I can look up to them & dream about how I could have maybe been as well known as they once were. If I ever get to set up my own country (that's my other dream), I will build statues to some of the famous ginger people, so that others can be as inspired as I have been.

It would be fun to learn more about these famous ginger people. Let's start with a sporting hero to inspire all those ginger footballers that have important European qualfying games next week.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento is one of the most famous footballers in the world. He was born in Três Corações, Brazil, in 1940 and went on to win the World Cup three times. He is better known as Pelé. He wasn't ginger.

However, Gary Doherty, born in Co. Donegal, Ireland, in 1980, is ginger. He's also better known, in some circles at least, as the Ginger Pelé. He started his career with Luton Town, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur for £1 million - more money than was owned by the entire ginger population of the world at the time of the other Pelé's birth. He made his first appearance for Tottenham during a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United. Following a series of injuries & the occasional calamitous own goal, he was sold to Norwich City for 31p at the beginning of the 2004/2005 season. Norwich finished the season in 19th place and were relegated from the Premiership.

The Ginger Pelé has never won the World Cup.