Pelé’s Funeral: Highlights From The Soccer Icon’s Final Tribute In Brazil

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January 3, 2023 11:47AM EST

Pelé’s funeral brought out thousands of fans to celebrate the late soccer great. See all the best photos from the memoiral here.

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Pelè’s Funeral: Photos

Pelè’s Funeral: Photos — Soccer icon Pelé is being put to rest, with a grand funeral procession through his native Brazil on Jan. 3, 2023. The star passed away at age 82 on Dec. 29, 2022 after suffering cancer, kidney, and heart issues.

Tuesday’s procession started at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium where Pelé’s former club Santos plays, as CNN reported. The coffin was later carried through the streets of the city of Santos, where it would pass down the street where Pelé’s 100-year-old mother, Celeste Arantes, lives.

Fans filled the streets to pay tribute to the late great. Here, Pele’s coffin is seen leaving the Santos soccer stadium Vila Belmiro after the funeral ceremony. He was carried by members of the military.

It was certainly a grand send-off. For more photos of Pelé’s funeral, check out our gallery here.

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Pelé’s Coffin

Pelé’s Coffin — Military men carried Pelé’s coffin from the soccer stadium. It was a heavy moment for Brazilians, who idoloized the athlete.

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Pelé Leaves The Building

Pelé Leaves The Building — Fans of Pelé filled the stands of the stadiums with bouquets of flowers. The soccer star won the World Cup for his country three times.

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Pelé’s Open Coffin

Pelé’s Open Coffin — Pelé’s coffin was open during his Jan. 3, 2022 funeral. His coffin was draped with the Brazilian flag.

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Fans Raise Pelé’s Number

Fans Raise Pelé’s Number — Fans paid tribute to Pelè by raising his #10. People everywhere were heartbroken.

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Fans Follow Pelé’s Coffin

Fans Follow Pelé’s Coffin — Fans line up around the stadium for a chance to see Pelé. There were thousands waiting.

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Fans Mourn Pelé

Fans Mourn Pelé — Pele fans held banners during the funeral ceremony at Santos soccer stadium on Jan. 3, 2023. The banner said, “1000 goals, only Pele.”

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Pelé’s Statue

Pelé’s Statue — Father-daughter Pelé fans posed in front of his statue. They celebrated his life with smiles.

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Fans Line Up For Pelé

Fans Line Up For Pelé — Fans wrapped around the stadium for their opportunity to bid farewell to Pelé. It looked hot, with most donning shorts and tee shirts for the wait.

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Santos Soccer Staium

Santos Soccer Staium — Everything was dedicated to Pelé inside the stadium. Banners saying “Viva o rei!” or “Long live the king” covered the seats.

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