(FILE) Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as “Pele,” waves during a book signing session for “Segundo Tempo” (Second Half) AFP PHOTO / NELSON ALMEIDA
July 2, 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — A day celebrating Brazilian soccer legend Pele will be named “King Pele Day” in his native Brazil, the government gazette reported on Tuesday.
Regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known as Pele, won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 goals during his illustrious career.
‘King Pele Day’ will be celebrated on November 19th, the anniversary of the striker’s scoring his 1,000th career goal in 1969 while playing for boyhood club Santos at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana Stadium.
Pele’s goal came from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama, with the game being briefly stopped as supporters stormed onto the pitch to celebrate O Rei (The King)’s achievement.
The Tres Corações native dedicated his landmark goal to “the poor children of Brazil”.
The following year, he was part of the legendary 1970 Brazil team that won the last of their three World Cups.
Pele died on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82. His death sparked mourning across the country and tributes to the sporting icon from around the world.
The law establishing the commemoration was promulgated by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
