Celeste Arantes, mother of Brazilian football icon Pelé, has passed away at the age of 101. The family confirmed her death in a statement released on Friday.
Pelé’s eldest son, Edinho, paid tribute to his grandmother on social media, sharing a photo of them together and writing, “Rest in peace, grandma.
Arantes gave birth to Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, on October 23, 1940, at the age of 17.
Reports indicate that Arantes was suffering from cognitive difficulties and was unaware of her son’s death when he passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82.
Arantes married Joao Ramos do Nascimento, Pelé’s father, at 16 and had another son, Jair, who succumbed to cancer in 2020, the same illness that claimed Pelé’s life. On her 100th birthday, Pelé honoured his mother on Instagram, celebrating her teachings of love and peace with a series of photographs from different stages of their lives.
Pelé was regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, was the only player to win three World Cups, achieving this feat in 1958, 1962, and 1970. His funeral procession, held after his death from cancer, included an emotional visit to his mother’s home.
Further details about Celeste Arantes’ burial have not yet been disclosed by the family.
