Enlarge image
Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro: "Pelé's legacy will live on forever"
Photograph:
Andre Coelho v EPO
It is a venerable sign for one of the most important athletes of the 20th century: The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro was illuminated on the one-year anniversary of Pele's death in such a way that it looked as if it was wearing the bright yellow Brazil jersey of the football legend.
The projection on the monument is a tribute to the player "who enchanted the whole world during his lifetime and will always be a great inspiration for all Brazilians," the Pelé Foundation wrote on Instagram.
Pele had died of cancer on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82. After three days of national mourning and a 24-hour wake at the stadium of his long-time club FC Santos, the three-time world champion was laid to rest on 3 January. Clubs, organizations and athletes now also commemorated the death of the athlete.
FIFA, the world governing body, shared a video on Platform X, formerly Twitter, with excerpts from his national team career and wrote: "Pelé's legacy will live on forever."
Pope Francis also paid tribute to the "king of football" in a statement, writing that Pele will remain unforgettably in the memory of many. Just recently, the Argentine had answered the question of whether Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona were better with Pele in an interview.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, as the striker's full name was, shaped football like no other and was already a legend during his lifetime. FIFA, the world governing body, had named the Brazilian – as well as the Argentine Diego Maradona – the "Player of the 20th Century".
In 92 international appearances, Pele scored 77 goals for the Brazilian national team.
kha/dpa