Santos, Brazil – In a grand ceremony, Brazil opened the extravagant tomb of the legendary footballer Pele to the public on Monday, six months after his demise. The mausoleum, located at the Ecumenical Memorial Cemetery in Santos, Brazil, is a magnificent 14-story structure, earning the prestigious title of the world’s tallest cemetery, as recognized by the Guinness World Records.
Pele, fondly known as “The King,” passed away on December 29 at the age of 82 following a courageous battle with cancer. His final resting place within the cemetery is truly befitting his iconic status and illustrious career.
As visitors entered the tomb, they were greeted by two life-size golden statues of Pele himself, immortalizing his awe-inspiring presence. The large golden vault, which houses his remains, is prominently displayed in the center of a spacious 200-square-meter room covered in meticulously crafted artificial turf, resembling a football field.
Expressing his admiration for the tomb, Ronaldo Rodrigues, a 44-year-old businessman and the first in line to visit, remarked, “It surpassed my expectations. It’s a really beautiful place.” Accompanied by his wife, Rodrigues expressed hope that the tomb would attract numerous tourists who could learn about Pele’s extraordinary story and the impact he had on Santos, Brazil, and the world.
The visitors were treated to a detailed view of Pele’s coffin in his opulent mausoleum. The 200-square-meter space, open for public visitation as of May 15, showcased simulated depictions of Santos’ devoted fans on the walls. The floor, covered in synthetic grass, added to the immersive experience. Above the tomb, a bluish ceiling adorned with golden images depicted remarkable moments from Pele’s illustrious career. The Athlete of the Century, who passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, will forever be remembered through this extraordinary homage.
Pele, born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, achieved unparalleled success in the world of football. He remains the only player in history to have won three FIFA World Cups, triumphing in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Throughout his remarkable career spanning over two decades, Pele scored an astonishing world record of 1,281 goals, representing Santos (1956-1974), the New York Cosmos (1975-1977), and the Brazilian national team.
In an emotional interaction with the reporters who gathered in the southeastern port city, Pele’s son, Edinho, tearfully revealed that the family was still grappling with their loss. He said, “But we’re also very proud and happy at all the affection and reverence that’s kept pouring in.”
Currently, access to the tomb is limited to 60 people per day, and interested individuals can sign up through a form available on the cemetery’s official website. Pele’s golden vault, crowned with a cross, showcases black etchings illustrating his monumental 1,000th goal and his iconic raised-fist goal celebration. The walls of the room are adorned with wallpaper displaying images of passionate football fans in a stadium, creating an atmosphere of everlasting adoration.
In addition to the remarkable mausoleum, the cemetery offers visitors an auto museum that now includes Pele’s coveted Mercedes Benz S-280, gifted to him by the company in 1974 to commemorate his 1,000th goal. Paulo Campos, the cemetery manager, described the space as a place rich in detail, meticulously assembled as a heartfelt tribute befitting the stature of the “King.”
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