July 02, (THEWILL) – Brazil has officially created “King Pele Day” to commemorate the late football icon, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally known as Pele.
The announcement, published in Tuesday’s government gazette, sets November 19 as the annual date to celebrate the life and achievements of the man widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.
The chosen date holds significant historical importance, marking the day in 1969 when Pele scored his 1,000th career goal at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium. The milestone occurred during a match between Pele’s boyhood club Santos and Vasco da Gama, with the legendary striker netting from the penalty spot in a 2-1 victory.
Pele’s remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he won three World Cups with Brazil and scored more than 1,000 goals. His final World Cup triumph came in 1970 as part of the revered Brazilian squad that captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.
The law establishing King Pele Day was promulgated by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, underscoring the national significance of Pele’s legacy. This official recognition comes less than two years after Pele’s passing on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, which prompted global tributes and a period of national mourning in Brazil.
The creation of King Pele Day serves as a lasting tribute to the footballer’s unparalleled impact on the sport and his enduring status as a national hero in Brazil. It also provides an annual opportunity for fans and future generations to celebrate Pele’s extraordinary life and contributions to football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
