The last rites of Pele, the world’s greatest football player, are being performed today. Before the last rites, his mortal body has been kept at the stadium of Santos Club in Sao Paulo, Brazil for last respect. Pele played professional football for the Santos club for more than two decades and led Brazil to the World Cup three times.
He died last Thursday at the age of 82 during treatment at Albert Einstein Hospital. From that hospital, Pele’s body was taken to Santos Club stadium with fireworks. There is a long line of people paying homage to him. His fans lined up for more than two hours to pay their respects.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Pele. Responding to reporters after the tribute, he said that FIFA will hold Pele in high regard. He also asked FIFA member countries to name at least one stadium after Pele.
Pele’s real name is Edson Arante do Nascimento. Pele will be cremated after a 24-hour memorial service. Brazilian President Lula da Silva will also participate in the funeral, according to news agencies.