(Rio de Janeiro) November 19 is no longer an insignificant date in Brazil: it is “King Pelé Day”, a new commemorative date established in homage to the man many consider the greatest footballer of all time.
The law creating the commemorative date was promulgated by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, reports Tuesday’s edition of Official newspaper.
Rather than choosing the date of his birth, October 23, 1940, or his death, December 29, 2022, the authors of the text decided to celebrate the memory of the three-time world champion on the day he scored his thousandth goal.
It was November 19, 1969, at the legendary Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, scored at the age of 29 on penalty the thousandth of the 1283 goals of his career, in the 2-1 victory of his team Santos against another Brazilian team, Vasco da Gama.
Explosion of joy in the stadium. Dozens of supporters invade the pitch to celebrate the “King”, carried in triumph.
The match was interrupted for several minutes and the “King” dedicated his goal “to the poor children of Brazil.”
The following year, in Mexico, Pelé won his last World Cup with the Seleçao, becoming the only player to have lifted the supreme trophy three times (1958, 1962 and 1970).
The Brazilian, who died of cancer at the age of 82, received a flood of tributes from around the world.