Pele will be buried on the ninth floor of a cemetery, permitting him to be overlooking the Santos soccer pitch that made him famous. The legendary footballer will be laid to rest tomorrow Tuesday and high up at the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica cemetery. Pele died last Thursday and aged 82.
9th Floor Burial
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, a.k.a. Pele, passed following a long battle against cancer. Fans believe that his final resting place will mean that he can watch over his beloved pitch. The cemetery was built in 1983 and houses over 14,000 vaults.
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In Homage
Brazilian-born Pele spent much time contemplating where he would want to be buried and decided on his final resting place as he paid homage to his father, Dodinho. Pele’s father passed in 1996.
A Legend From His Teens
Pele is widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time. He won his first soccer World Cup aged just 17 in 1958. He went on to lift the trophy two more times: once in 1962 and again in 1970. His total life goal score sits at 1,281.
Celebrity Tributes
Tributes from some of the world’s most famous faces have been flying in ever since Pele died.
Former POTUS Barack Obama updated his Instagram with a photo of himself and the soccer star.
“Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him,” Obama wrote.
Ronaldo Leaves Words
Meanwhile, soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo wrote:
“An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers.”
Brazil Will Mourn
Following Pele’s upcoming burial, the country of Brazil will enter three official days of mourning in his memory. Prior to the burial, Pele’s body will be taken through the Santos suburb – his 100-year-old mother still lives there.
Sister Speaks Out
Pele’s sister Maria has also spoken out amid her brother’s passing. She spoke of her mother being in poor health, saying that she is in “her own world.”
Fans Miss Him
Social media exploded amid the news of Pele’s death, and fans are still hurting amid the loss.
Celebrity Deaths
Pele’s passing comes amid a wave of celebrity deaths in recent days and weeks – also lost have been designer Vivienne Westwood and media face Barbara Walters.
