The Premier League have confirmed that all matches this weekend will hold a minute’s applause before kickoff in honour of Pele.
The former Brazil striker, who was widely regarded as the greatest player to ever play the game, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 from complications from colon cancer.
During the World Cup, Pele was hospitalised and was said to be receiving end-of-life care, but it was soon asserted that the South American was stable and making “progressive improvement.”
Pele died at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital on Thursday at 3.27 p.m., Brazilian time, from multiple organ failure caused by colon cancer.
Pele’s death prompted a massive influx of tributes from past and current players, who expressed both sadness and admiration for the three-time World Cup winner.
The Premier League issued a statement in tribute to the “extraordinarily gifted” player, and it was announced that players and officials will also wear black armbands during the minute of applause.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Pele’s passing, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. In tribute to Pele, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football during Matchweek 18 (Dec 30-Jan 1) by holding a minute’s applause prior to kick-offs. Players and match officials will wear black armbands.”
In tribute to Pele, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football during Matchweek 18 (Dec 30-Jan 1) by holding a minute’s applause prior to kick-offs. Players and match officials will wear black armbands. https://t.co/BpufJGGcda
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2022
See Also: Man City Boss Pep Guardiola Pays Tribute To Brazil Legend Pele
Pele spent nearly his entire club career with Brazilian giants Santos, where he spent a trophy-laden 19 years before joining the New York Cosmos in 1975.
The attacker was a member of Brazil’s World Cup-winning teams in 1958, 1962, and 1970, as well as six Brazilian top-flight titles and two Copa Libertadores.
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