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Brazilian football icon Pele’s mother Celeste Arantes passed away at the remarkable age of 101, as announced by the family on Friday. Arantes outlived her celebrated son by 18 months, marking the end of an era for a family deeply intertwined with football history.
Arantes was just 17 years old when she gave birth to her first child, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, on October 23, 1940. This child would later become globally known as Pele, the man hailed as the greatest footballer of all time.
Arantes played a significant role in Pele’s early life, instilling in him the values of love and peace, which he often acknowledged. Pele’s eldest son, Edinho, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of himself embracing his grandmother with the caption, “Rest in peace, grandma.” The cause of Arantes’s death has not been disclosed. However, local media reports indicate that she had been hospitalised for eight days before she passed away on Friday.
At the time of Pele’s death, it was reported that Arantes was suffering from cognitive difficulties and was not aware that her famous son had passed away. This period was particularly challenging for the family, compounded by the loss of Arantes’s other son, Jair, who died in 2020 from cancer, the same disease that later claimed Pele’s life.
Arantes married Joao Ramos do Nascimento, Pele’s father, when she was 16. Together, they raised their children with care and dedication, with Arantes primarily staying at home to look after the family. Her devotion to her family was a cornerstone of their lives, providing a stable and loving environment. Pele often expressed his deep affection and respect for his mother. On her 100th birthday, he posted a touching tribute on Instagram, celebrating the lessons she had taught him and sharing three photos that captured their bond at different stages of life. Just nine days after celebrating her milestone birthday, Pele was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo, where he eventually succumbed to cancer. His funeral procession notably included a stop at his mother’s house, a testament to the profound connection they shared.
Pele remains the only player in history to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), and his legacy continues to inspire millions.