Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, passed away on December 29 after a long battle against colon cancer. The only player to win three World Cups, and with a passion that will be remembered by his people, the athlete is being mourned at Vila Belmiro stadium, home of Santos FC. Today, January 2, the stands of said stadium stopped resounding with happiness to bid farewell to the most influential Brazilian football player of all time.
Before leaving the earthly world, the Brazilian striker made requests to his family. Precisely, he wanted to be mourned at the stadium where he could shout with happiness so many times. He also requested that his remains rest in the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica.
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This is how fans from different parts of the country came to say goodbye to the king who dominated the international headlines in recent days. Likewise, FIFA President Gianni Infantino dedicated a few words to him.
Gianni Infantino dedicated words to Pelé
Gianni Infantino attended the Santos stadium accompanied by Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, and Edinaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
"Pelé is eternal. Pelé is a global icon of football. Pelé did many things in football that 99% can only dream of doing, and the other 1% did it after Pelé. That's why we are here with immense sadness, but also with joy, the joy of Pelé. Pelé's smile," he said.
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How did Pelé die?
Pelé passed away on December 29 due to colon cancer, which led him to be hospitalized for about a month. He was embalmed and the wake will be held in a coffin with an open urn.