One year after the passing of legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé, Brazil commemorated his legacy with a special tribute. On October 3rd, 2020, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was adorned with a replica of Pelé’s jersey number one. The tribute was organized by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and the National Confederation of Football (CBF).
Pelé, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was born in 1940 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He is the only player to have won three World Cup titles and is credited with helping to spread the popularity of soccer around the world. He was also known for his humanitarian work and was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1995.
The tribute to Pelé was a fitting way to honor his legacy. The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks, and it was a powerful symbol to see it adorned with Pelé’s jersey number one. The tribute was also a reminder of the impact that Pelé had on the world, not just in soccer but also in his humanitarian work.
Pelé’s legacy will live on for generations to come, and this special tribute was a fitting way to commemorate it. The image of Christ the Redeemer wearing Pelé’s jersey number one will be an enduring reminder of the impact that he had on Brazil and the world.
