Brazil has entered a three-day period of national mourning following the death of football icon Pele on Thursday.
The iconic veteran forward died at the age of 82 after suffering multiple organ failures as a result of colon cancer.
Pele, largely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, spent the final month of his life in a hospital.
Brazil legend Pelé has died at the age of 82.
The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up.
He will be missed by millions. pic.twitter.com/sZiiLLmCYF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 29, 2022
Outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the only three-time World Cup winner.
Pele’s funeral arrangements have also been revealed, with the former Santos stalwart’s coffin to be placed in the centre of the Brazilian club’s pitch at dawn on Monday.
The public, politicians, authorities, and famous people will then have 24 hours starting at 10 a.m. on Monday to visit the coffin and bid “The King of Football” a final, private farewell.
On Tuesday, his coffin will be carried through the streets of Santos, including the neighbourhood where his 100-year-old mother still lives.
Pele will then be laid to rest in a private ceremony.
Related: Brazil Legend Pele Dies At 82 After Long Battle With Cancer
The 2000 FIFA player of the century lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970, breaking onto the scene as a teenager in 1958 before establishing himself as the greatest of all time as the star of perhaps the greatest team ever 12 years later.
Pele is also credited with scoring a world-record 1,282 goals in 1,366 games, though this figure includes non-competitive and youth games.
A slew of the biggest names in football, sport, and beyond have paid tribute to one of the most famous, successful, and legendary athletes of all time.
COMMENTS