SAO PAULO (AP) — Celeste Arantes, the mother of late soccer great Pelé, died on Friday at age 101.
Pelé’s former club Santos and two former aides of the three-time World Cup winner announced the news to The Associated Press. Arantes spent the past five years in a vegetative state and was not informed about her famous son’s death in 2022.
“Santos Futebol Clube is deeply sorry about the death of Celeste Arantes do Nascimento, the mother of our eternal king,” the Brazilian club said on its social media channels. “She had 101 years of an inspiring life story. A Black woman who faced endless adversities in life for the good of her family.”
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, globally known as Pelé, was one of Celeste Arantes’ three children. She was initially against her son becoming a professional footballer, but gradually changed her views as her son became more successful.
Pelé died on Dec. 29, 2022.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports