March 12 – Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium will be renamed ‘The Edson Arantes do Nascimento-Rei Pele stadium’ in honour of the country’s football legend Pele, following a decision by the Rio de Janeiro state legislature.
The new name ‘Rei Pele stadium’ will still have to be approved by the state governor.
Pele, who won three World Cups as a player for Brazil, scored his 1,000th goal at the stadium in 1969 when playing for Santos against Vasco da Gama. The stadium hosted the final of the 1950 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games.
The venue, owned by the state, is officially called the Mario Filho stadium, but known as the Maracana, in reference to the neighbourhood where it is located. Mario Filho was one of Brazil’s most famous football journalists and writers, who popularised the game in the 40’s and the 50’s.
“King Pele is the best player of all time,” politician Andre Ceciliano, who proposed the name change said. “It’s a just tribute. Although I have no doubt that everyone will continue to call it the Maracana stadium.”
The move by local legislators has however been met by opposition and is seen as controversial in spite of Pele’s legendary status. Pele has no close links to the city. He was born in Minas Gerais and spent his playing days at Santos in the state of Sao Paulo.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734962753labto1734962753ofdlr1734962753owedi1734962753sni@o1734962753fni1734962753