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BBC OS Conversations: Farewell to Pele

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Farewell to Pele

07/01/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - BBC OS Conversations, Farewell to Pele

James Reynolds joins those celebrating his life in Santos, Pele’s hometown

James Reynolds joins those celebrating his life in Santos, Pele’s hometown.

He transformed his sport, inspired generations on and off the field, and is even said to have halted a war in Africa. He’s also the only man ever to have won three World Cups, the first of these when he was only 17. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or ‘Pele’ as he became known, is thought by most to have been the greatest footballer to grace this planet.  

He died on 29th December, aged 82.  

Pele’s rise from poverty to global superstardom, made him the closest thing to royalty in Brazil. His success and his entertaining football changed the way the rest of the world saw his country, and provided a black role model for young people everywhere.  

Host James Reynolds has been in Santos, Pele’s adopted hometown. He was among the crowds on the streets at the funeral procession, as they celebrated this sporting legend’s long life. He joined fans in a Santos football bar, and also witnessed the quiet reflection of those who filed past his coffin in the stadium where Pele created many memories.  

James hears from people whose lives were touched by Pele and the effect he had on them. He also brings together three black Brazilians to discuss inequality and diversity in their country and to what extent Pele made a difference.

(Photo: Members of the National Guard are pictured as the casket of Brazilian soccer legend Pele is transported by the fire department, from his former club Santos" Vila Belmiro stadium. Credit: REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli)

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