The funeral of soccer legend Pele, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is set to take place at the Santos stadium in Brazil next week on Monday and Tuesday. The Brazilian club announced that the public wake will begin at 10am on Monday and continue until 10am on Tuesday, when a parade through the streets of Santos will occur. This will allow fans the opportunity to pay their final respects to the iconic athlete, who passed away at the age of 82 following a long battle with colon cancer.
Pele’s body will be transported from the Albert Einstein Hospital to the Estádio Urbano Caldeira in Vila Belmiro at dawn on Monday, and the coffin will be placed in the center of the pitch. The ceremony is expected to be a time for mourning and celebration of Pele’s incredible career and enduring legacy in the world of soccer.
Pele is known for leading Brazil to World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970, and for scoring an impressive 1,282 goals in 1,366 games during his playing career. He is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time and his contributions to the sport are immeasurable.
His death on Thursday, following a long battle with cancer, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento confirmed the news of his passing with a social media post that said: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.” There was also a message to Pele’s three million Twitter followers that read: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
Pele’s funeral at the Santos stadium next week will no doubt be a poignant and emotional event, as fans come together to remember and honor the soccer legend.
