Brazilian football legend and global superstar Pelé was spotted on the streets of Kentish Town on Monday after paying a visit to music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, in Lissenden Gardens.

The three-time World Cup winner met and played music with 13-year-old Eduardo Messaggi, one of the many young people with autism the charity helps.

Pelé was in London to receive the Legend of Football award at the HMV Football Extravaganza ceremony.

Held at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane yesterday evening, the star-studded ceremony raises money for the charity to help it continue its work helping those with physical and learning difficulties.

Presented with the prize by England manager Roy Hodgson, Pelé said: “I am honoured to be receiving the Legend of Football Award at the HMV Football Extravaganza.

“It feels special to be recognised at such a prestigious event.

“I was privileged to see Nordoff Robbins’ work today and to meet Eduardo and his family and to learn what a positive difference music therapy has made to his life.

“It was great fun to play songs together. Music is very good for the soul.

“Eduardo represents a testament to how music therapy can change a person’s life.”

Past winners of the award, which recognises outstanding achievement in the world of football and contribution to the beautiful game, include Sir Bobby Robson (2001), Sir Alex Ferguson (2005), Eric Cantona (2010) and Jose Mourinho (2011).

The evening raised just over £400,000 for the charity, £200,000 of which was raised during an auction.

This included a lunch for six hosted by José Mourinho which sold for a staggering £37,000.

Brian McLaughlin, chairman of the Football Extravaganza event, said: “Since its inception we have raised over £6 million, enabling Nordoff Robbins to provide music therapy across the UK to people who really need it – those who are vulnerable and isolated, giving them an opportunity to communicate and to be heard.”