It's hard to imagine a time when soccer was not a major sport in the United States, but back in the 1970s, it was still finding its footing. It was during this era that a young Donald Trump first discovered his love for the game, a journey catalyzed by the flamboyant New York Cosmos and their star-studded lineup.

The Cosmos, once a languishing team in the North American Soccer League, surged in popularity when they signed Brazilian soccer legend Pelé. His arrival sparked a series of acquisitions, including Italian superstar Giorgio Chinaglia, German legend Franz Beckenbauer, and Brazilian captain Carlos Alberto, transforming the Cosmos into a glamorous team overnight.

This transformation was not just about the players. Warner Communications, the club's owner, mounted an aggressive public relations campaign, elevating the team's profile and by extension, that of the entire league. Jim Trecker, who worked in public relations for the Cosmos and later for the 1994 World Cup, credits the team with setting the stage for America's bid to host the World Cup.

The Cosmos' success translated into packed stadiums, with games moving from the modest fields of Randall’s Island to the sprawling Meadowlands, where they attracted crowds exceeding 50,000. Celebrities like Mick Jagger, Cher, and Henry Kissinger were regular spectators, with Kissinger famously introducing journalist David Hirshey to Pelé in an unforgettable manner.

The team's allure reached the young Donald Trump, who was making his own waves in New York's real estate market. Trump, known for his flair for the dramatic and the luxurious, found a kindred spirit in the Cosmos. He was spotted at least once at the iconic Studio 54 nightclub, partying with Pelé, an encounter that left a lasting impression on him, solidifying his interest in soccer.

Years later, Trump reminisced about these experiences at a World Cup lottery draw, referring to Pelé as one of the greats and recalling his awe at watching him play. Despite his nostalgia, Trump expressed a hint of disappointment that soccer had not exploded in popularity in the U.S. as many had hoped during the Cosmos' heyday.

Hirshey, who covered the Cosmos for the New York Daily News, noted that despite his interest, Trump was never seen in the locker rooms, a place you’d expect him to be, given his penchant for being at the center of action.

This blend of high-profile personalities, soccer legends, and the glitz of New York nightlife helped shape not just Trump’s view but also the trajectory of soccer in America. The Cosmos may not have sustained their initial explosive growth, but they left an indelible mark on the sport in the U.S., and on one of its most famous businessmen-turned-politicians.