“Pele, immortal, someone who will someday die, Edson, and I hope he becomes a person worthy of heaven.” The legend, PeLe, greatest footballer of all time and Brazilian citizen, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, will be remembered in the third person as the hero he became. He died in a hospital in Sao Paulo at 82 years old, after battling colon cancer.”
Aware of Brazil’s reverence for its most admired national symbol, and the crown he wore for six decades in every corner of the planet, Edson and Pelé discussed that final farewell should stay local to Santos, on the coast of São Paulo. Santos FC, the club that carried his legacy, is deeply tied to this ideal of Brazilian football played with passion.
Pele’s clear wish was to say goodbye at Vila Belmiro, the place where it all began when he was 15. He hails from Bauru, a city inland in São Paulo. A historic stadium will undergo structural reforms to accommodate a limited 16,000 spectators, far smaller than the colossal arenas built for recent world events, yet it radiates the authenticity of football celebrated around the world—the enduring strength of the sport that defined Brazil.
image as brand
In life, Pelé’s image became a brand before modern marketing existed, eclipsing presidents, Hollywood power players, and other global icons. Upon his passing, his image graced front pages across newspapers worldwide. He drew leaders and institutions into the orbit of his influence, with condolences offered by prominent figures from around the globe.
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His funeral plans did not align with political timelines, as leaders from across Brazil weighed in, while the nation prepared to honor the football icon. The Nascimento family remained united in these final hours, requesting the funeral proceed with dignity, and Santos asked that the number 10 be retired in his honor.
Accompanied by security personnel, the royal coffin would travel a lengthy route before dawn, moving from the hospital in the south of São Paulo toward Vila Belmiro, where it would rest inside a gilded sarcophagus in the central circle. For 24 hours, fans from all teams could request a final moment with the legend.
What motivated Pelé in 2011 when he gifted Santos one of his greatest triumphs—the Copa Libertadores—remains a hallmark of a career that produced multiple world titles. His influence touched players who followed, and he remains a standard others attempt to match, whether Brazilian or not, a symbol stamped on the chest of generations of champions.
Funeral rites
In paying final respects, Santos acknowledged Pelé’s long-standing ties to the club, its local community, and the wider football world, including regional leaders and global figures who shaped the sport—figures from CONMEBOL to FIFA who recognized his impact.
How many championships has Pelé won in his career?
On Tuesday a procession will trace the streets of Santos, the city that welcomed countless immigrants and served as the heart of Pelé’s beginnings. The convoy will pass by the home of Pelé’s mother, Dona Celeste, commemorating a life that bridged generations. The burial will take place at the Ecumenical Necropolis Monument, chosen for its serene design and spiritual resonance. The monument stands tall as one of the world’s most distinctive cemeteries, and the ninth floor will offer a view of Vila Belmiro, honoring the artistry that defined Pelé’s era.
In life, Pelé’s influence transcended football. His public persona helped shape culture, diplomacy, and global sport. His memory continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike, maintaining a enduring presence in the world’s football narrative.
Public figures from around the world offered their condolences as the world reflected on a career that redefined greatness in football. The do Nascimento family stood strong, seeking a respectful farewell that honors a lifelong commitment to the sport and its community.
In the days ahead, the funeral procession would move with solemnity through the city streets, a final tribute to a man whose presence on the field and in the public imagination left an indelible mark. The life of Edson Arantes do Nascimento was celebrated as much for his humility as for his extraordinary talent, a universal language spoken through football.
As the world watched, Pelé’s legacy persisted in the culture of Santos, in the memories of fans who witnessed his magic, and in the ongoing story of Brazilian football—a story that will endure long after the last whistle has blown.
Existence remains a testament to a player who carried the sport to new heights, a symbol of unity that transcended borders and generations, and a reminder that great players leave behind more than trophies; they leave a way of seeing the game.