The sporting great, known as “The King” for his superior footballing skills, passed away last Thursday at the age of 82 after a long battle with colon cancer.
Thousands of football supporters are gathering at the stadium of Pele’s former team, Santos, to bid him farewell.
The three-time World Cup champion’s casket was transported to the center circle of the Brazilian club’s Vila Belmiro stadium. Where he would lie in state for 24 hours.
The sporting hero, known as “The King” for his superior footballing skills, passed away last Thursday at the age of 82 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
Pele spent nearly his entire club career at Santos, a Sao Paulo suburb where he grew up.
Pele’s casket:
He participated in 656 competitive matches for the team and helped them win various medals, including six Brazilian league championships.
His 100-year-old mother will bring Pele’s casket through the streets of Santos to the home of his 100-year. After laying in state at the Vila Belmiro stadium.
On Tuesday, he will be interred at the Memorial Necropole Ecumenical. A vertical cemetery in Santos, with only his family in attendance.
Due to Pele’s prominence in Brazil and throughout the footballing globe. Santos will inject millions of people in the coming days.
Fans were photographed camping overnight outside the Vila Belmiro stadium.Aand lined surrounding streets to view Pele’s body in the state.
The Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes was among those who came to pay their respects.
Mendes told report
Mendes told reporters, “It is a really sad moment. But we are now recognizing the true significance of this famous athlete to our country.”
“My office contains Pele-signed clothes and an autographed photograph of him as a goalie. DVDs, photographs, an extensive collection of him.”
Mendes further stated that despite his global renown, Pele was a humble individual who deserved every accolade.
Roberto Santos, a local supporter, remarked, “The anticipation is enormous; the entire globe will be present.” “Pele requires no presentation. Pele is everything to us.
He said, “I’ll be here 24 hours a day, from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pele deserves it.”
Several authorities, including recently inaugurated Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. A longtime supporter of Santos, are expected to attend the tribute.
President of FIFA Gianni Infantino joined the mourning on the field. Monday, Mr. Infantino announced that FIFA will request that every nation rename a stadium in Pele’s honor.
He regarded Pele as a “model athlete” and said, “When you were in Pele’s presence. The rest of the world ceased to exist.”
“His life encompasses more than just football. He improved perceptions in Brazil, South America, and throughout the world. It is tough to summarise his legacy in a few words.”
Following his passing on Thursday, people from all around the world paid him tribute. While Brazil observed three days of national mourning.
On the weekend in England, commemorations were held at each Premier League game.
