The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro was illuminated with the colors of the Brazilian national team jersey worn by Pele, on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of one of the best football players of all time.
Pele died a year ago from cancer at the age of 82.
The yellow jersey with the number 10 of the Brazilian national team and a message from Pope Francis is projected onto the statue, as Pele was a devout Catholic.
"Pele, as Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento was known globally, was undoubtedly a player who demonstrated all the positive qualities of an athlete in his life. The memory of the 'King of Football' remains indelible in the minds of many and stimulates new generations to look for means in sports strengthening the bonds of unity between us," the pope's message states.
The religious ceremonies were held in Santos, the port city that Pele made famous with his goals and success while playing for the club of the same name.
Santos paid tribute in a ceremony at their Villa Belmiro stadium, where one of Pele's sons, Edson Cholbi do Nascimento, released 10 white balloons from the center of the pitch.
The International Football Federation also paid tribute to Pele, which published a video of his best moves with the message: "Pele's legacy will always live on."
Pele is the only footballer who won the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
He is considered one of the best football players of all time, and in numerous polls he was declared the best football player of the 20th century. With 1.279 goals in 1.363 games, including friendlies, Pele is in the Guinness Book of Records.
Bonus video:
