Pele, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, died at the age of 82 in December. Tributes have flooded in from the footballing community and beyond for a man widely considered to be one of the best – if not the best – to ever play the game.
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, whose term came to an end at the turn of the year, declared three days of national mourning after Pele’s passing. A number of footballers past and present have shared tributes on social media, while a funeral reception and parade through Sao Paulo will allow many to pay their respects in person.
Pele scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil. The legendary player spent almost the entirety of his club career playing for Santos. And Santos confirmed that they would be hosting his funeral on Monday.
A hearse carrying the coffin of the former Santos star arrived at Vila Belmiro Stadium drove through the streets with an escort of cars lined up in front and behind. Fans were seen camped on the side of the roads waiting for their last glimpse of the Brazilian footballer before his funeral.
It is expected that hundreds of thousands of people were in attendance for the funeral to pay tribute to the footballer, widely recognised as one of the greatest to grace the game.