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Outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro declared three days of official mourning following the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pelé, the greatest footballer in history who died in São Paulo on Thursday after a battle against colon cancer. He was 82.
“Pelé, the King of Football, was one of the greatest athletes of all time,” said the governor’s press office. “The only three-time world champion demonstrated by his actions that, in addition to being a great athlete, he was also a great citizen and patriot, raising the name of Brazil wherever he went.”
President Jair Bolsonaro has not yet reacted to the death of Pelé on his social media channels.
Mourning in São Paulo state, meanwhile, will last for seven days. “Pelé is the greatest name among all players that led Brazil to football glory,” Governor Rodrigo Garcia said.
“Though born in Minas Gerais, he will always be linked to São Paulo. He began his career in Bauru, where he was crowned champion of youth leagues, then followed it by winning every possible title at state, national, and world level for Santos, the club for which he turned professional at age 15.”
The decree on the mourning period will be published in the state’s official gazette on Friday.
The city of Santos also declared a seven-day mourning period. Pelé’s memorial service will be held at the Vila Belmiro stadium, where he shone for most of his 21-year career.
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