Numerous fans passed the body of the three-time world champion lying in state in the center of the Estádio Urbano Caldeira in the port city of Santos, as was seen on TV Globo.
Many wreaths were laid at the stadium, including on behalf of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), club FC Santos, star striker Neymar and former international Romário.
Pelé’s relatives and closest friends gathered right by the coffin. His son Edinho and his widow Marcia Aoki joined hands and said a prayer. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid his last respects to Pele.
FIFA President Infantino: Every federation in the world should name stadiums after Pele
“With a lot of emotions, sadness, but also with a smile because he gave us a lot of smiles,” said Infantino. “As FIFA we will pay tribute to the ‘King’ and ask the whole world to observe a minute’s silence. We will ask all countries in the world to name at least one stadium after Pele so that children know how important he was.”
The coffin had previously been brought to Santos from the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, about 80 kilometers away. Pelé’s son Edinho published several short videos of the motorcade on Instagram. “We’ve arrived home,” he wrote about the last clip.
Photo Gallery: Fans bid farewell to Brazil legend Pelé
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“He is immortal”
“Brazil owes a lot to Pelé for everything he has done for football and for our country. For the way he has positioned himself throughout his life,” said São Paulo State Governor Tarcísio de Freitas . “It is an honor for Brazil to have the greatest of all time in our ranks. Three of our stars on the shirt were conquered thanks to his genius. He is unique. He is immortal.”
Brazil’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was also expected at the stadium. On Tuesday, a funeral procession will take the body through the neighborhood where Pelé’s 100-year-old mother still lives to the Memorial Necropole Ecumênica high-rise cemetery. Pelé is to be buried there with his family.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, as the striker was called by his full name, shaped football like no other. He was already a legend in his lifetime. With 77 goals in 92 international matches, Pelé is still the record goalscorer for the Seleção, the Brazilian national soccer team. However, his 30-year-old compatriot Neymar also scored 77 goals.
“Much more than the greatest athlete of all time”: The football world mourns Pelé
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Source: Nachrichten