Rabat – The funeral procession for Brazilian football legend Pele took the star to his final resting place as more than 230,000 people lined the streets to attend the wake and file past his casket.
With tributes still pouring in from the world’s football stars, clubs, and even heads of states, the 24-hour public wake for the legendary player began on Monday in Santos stadium “Vila Belmiro,” where he began his career.
His casket was then driven around the streets of Santos with thousands lining the streets before he was taken to the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica cemetery, where the private funeral service will be held.
Newly inaugurated Brazilian president Lula da Silva was one of the visitors who paid respects to the late footballer, calling him “incomparable” both as a footballer and human being, Reuters reported.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was one of the many attendees. He told reporters that all football associations in the world have been asked to hold a minute of silence for Pele before every game.
Already, several of the world’s top leagues and teams have paid tribute to the athlete, with many holding moments of silence and wearing black armbands in mourning.
Pele is widely regarded as the first superstar in football history, helping skyrocket the sport’s popularity, as well as one of the sport’s greatest ever figures.
Having scored over nearly 1,300 goals over his career, including in unofficial games, the Brazilian is the sport’s all-time best goalscorer.
He is also the only player in history to win three World Cup trophies, and is also the youngest player to ever appear in a final, having helped Brazil win the 1958 tournament while he was only 17 years old.
Having struggled with cancer and other health issues over the past year, the Brazilian footballer passed away last week. Brazil declared a three-day mourning period.
