New York Cosmos 70's kit

The New York Cosmos (1971–1985), known simply as the Cosmos for the 1977 and 1978 seasons, were a soccer franchise based in New York City and its suburbs that operated in the North American Soccer League from 1971 to 1984. Founded by brothers Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegün as well as Warner Bros. President Steve Ross, it was one of the stronger NASL franchises, both athletically and financially. It became known around the world for signing the great Brazilian player Pelé who, though past his prime, was nonetheless one of the team's, and the league's, top gate draws during his tenure with the Cosmos. The NASL folded after the 1984 season, but the Cosmos attempted to operate as an independent team in 1985 before they ceased activity too.
Thename was coined by Clive Toye, the club's first general manager. Taking inspiration from the New York Mets, which is essentially short for "Metropolitans," Toye took it a step further: Cosmopolitans, or Cosmos. Toye staged a "name the team" contest, choosing the entry that matched his planned team name.
For the colors, Toye chose the green and yellow of Brazil, part of his strategy to lure Pelé to the United States
1. New York Cosmos 1971 to 1975 team logo 2. New York Cosmos 1976 t0 1985 team logo

In 1975, Pele' surprised everyone by coming out of retirement to play for the New York Cosmos' in America's fledgling soccer league. The price probably helped-a small matter of $4.5 million.

New York Cosmos' ability to acquire famous players to play for the club include Carlos Alberto, Ramón Mifflin, Franz Beckenbauer, Vladislav Bogićević, Giorgio Chinaglia, Hubert Birkenmeier, Rick Davis, Marinho Chagas, Andranik Eskandarian, Johan Neeskens, Werner Roth, Julio Cesar Romero, Roberto Cabanas, Carlos Carlos, Shep Messing, Jomo Sono (who later named his own soccer club in South Africa the Jomo Cosmos) and most notably Pelé. On October 1, 1977, Pelé closed out his legendary career in front of a capacity crowd at Giants Stadium. In an exhibition match televised nationwide and worldwide, he played the first half with the Cosmos and the second half with his old team Santos.