Pelé got his final wish
Football legend Pelé’s final wish has been granted after his official burial place was chosen.
The Brazilian star, who is widely regarded as one of – if not – the greatest footballers of all time sadly died at the age of 82 on December 30.
Having been diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2021, Pelé had been battling the disease and was admitted to hospital a month before his death.
His family posted pictures of them beside the 82-year-old’s bedside during his final days with thousands of tributes pouring in from all across the world following the announcement of his death.
Pelé’s burial is set to take place on January 3 (Tuesday) and the The Mirror have revealed that he will be laid to rest in the place he requested.
As per his request, Pelé will be buried on the ninth floor of a cemetery in his home city of Santos in tribute to his father, who wore the number nine shirt when playing football.
The Necropole is a 32 floor vertical cemetery outside the city. It claims to be the tallest in the world.
At first sight it looks more like an apartment block than a burial place.
Pelé will be laid to rest on the 9th floor, a spot he chose himself more than twenty years ago. pic.twitter.com/9H1mzoo3aY
— Gbénró Adégbolá ن (@GbenroAdegbola) January 1, 2023
The final resting place will also overlook the Estádio Urbano Caldeira, the home of Santos FC, where Pelé played for the majority of his career.
Some fans believe that the particular sight was chosen so that the 82-year-old could ‘see’ the pitch where he made his name and established himself as one of the greats of the game.
Fans have arrived in their thousands to pay tribute ahead of the burial, with many bringing flowers and shirts featuring Pelé’s iconic number 10 on the back.
Many were moved to tears as they prepare to say goodbye to football’s first true global superstar.
Related links:
- Pelé once revealed which Premier League club he would play for
- Millions pay tribute to footballing legend Pele
- Football legend Pele has died aged 82
