The wake for star Pelé, who died last Thursday at the age of 82, began Monday for Brazilian fans to pay tribute to the legendary striker, considered by many to be the best footballer in history.
The ceremony is held on the pitch of the Vila Belmiro stadium, in the city of Santos, where “O Rei” played a good part of his sports career.
The funeral began with the opening of the doors to the fans, who entered through the side while a samba called “Eu sou Pelé” (“I am Pelé”) played on the stadium’s sound system.
In the stands of Vila Belmiro hung dozens of white shirts with the number 10 of Pelé, as well as huge banners that read “Long live the King”.
The wake will last until 10:00 am on Tuesday, when a funeral procession will begin that will go through the streets of Santos, a port city located about 80 kilometers from Sao Paulo, where the star died.
Pelé had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021. The medical center where he had been hospitalized said he died of multi-organ failure as a result of the cancer.
His death is expected to change many names in Santos. The first will be the port, which will be renamed Puerto Rey Pelé, as decided by the incoming administration.
The President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and other personalities have announced their attendance at the funeral.
EFE/OnCuba.
