Brazil will be celebrating a special day in honor of soccer legend Pelé every year on November 19. This day will be known as “King Pelé Day” in the country, commemorating the moment when Pelé scored what he believed to be his 1,000th career goal in 1969.
The Brazilian government made an official announcement that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had approved a law to establish this national tribute to the three-time World Cup champion. Pelé, who passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, will now be remembered every year on this date.
The chosen date for the celebration refers to the match where Pelé scored his alleged 1,000th goal for Santos against Vasco da Gama at Maracana Stadium. However, there is some debate among soccer historians about whether this goal was truly his 1,000th.
During the celebrations for that goal, Pelé took the opportunity to deliver a rare political speech, urging Brazil to take better care of its children. At the time, Brazil was under a military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985.
Senator Jorge Kajuru, a former sports reporter and one of the bill’s sponsors in Congress, expressed his appreciation for the tribute to Pelé. He described Pelé as one of the most significant and influential figures not only in Brazilian soccer but in global sports.
In a sad turn of events, Pelé’s mother, Celeste Arantes, passed away last week at the age of 101. Her loss adds another layer of poignancy to the upcoming celebrations in honor of Pelé’s remarkable career and contributions to the world of soccer.
The establishment of “King Pelé Day” reflects the enduring legacy of the soccer icon and serves as a reminder of his impact on the sport and society as a whole. Brazilians and soccer fans worldwide will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Pelé’s extraordinary talent and his commitment to using his platform for social causes.
As the nation prepares to celebrate this special day, it is a time to reflect on Pelé’s achievements on the field and his lasting influence off the pitch. “King Pelé Day” will be a moment to remember and honor a true legend of the beautiful game.