The Brazilian soccer legend Pele passed away on December 29, 2022, due to multiple organ failures. He was aged 82 at the time of his death. He is survived by his mother Celeste Arantes, his wife, and his children. Pele’s mother turned 100 just last month. It is reported by The Sun that the three-time World Cup winner’s coffin will pass by Celeste’s home before he is laid to rest.
Pele’s mother was not always a fan of her son becoming a soccer player. This was because Pele’s father, Dondinho, was a victim of a meniscal injury to his knee while playing soccer for a club in Sao Paulo. Pele revealed in an interview: “My mother used to say when I was young, ‘Do you see your father? He didn’t play well, he has a problem (injury). You must be a teacher or a doctor, don’t play soccer.’”
Dondinho passed away at the age of 79 on November 16, 1996. Celeste is still alive aged 100 and Pele recently posted about her on social media.
How old was Pele’s mom when he was born?
Pele’s mother Celeste was born on November 20, 1922, in Tres Coracoes. She gave birth to Pele on October 23, 1940. Therefore, Pele’s mother was almost a month away from becoming 18 when she gave birth to him. She gave birth to two other children, Zoca, and Maria Lucia Nascimento.
Even though she was against Pele’s soccer career because of what happened to Dondinho, she recognized Pele’s talent. Celeste supported him and his choices. She also received the Brazilian Mother of the Year award by O Globo for her relationship with her son.
How old is Pele’s mom and where is she today?
Pele’s mother, Celeste, turned 100 last month on November 20. Prior to his death, the Brazilian soccer legend posted a happy birthday message for his mother accompanied by three pictures of them together.
He wrote on Instagram: “Today, we celebrate 100 years of Dona Celeste’s life. From a young age, she taught me the value of love and peace. I have well over a hundred reasons to be thankful for being her son. I share these photos with you, with great emotion to celebrate this day. Thank you for every day by your side, Mom.”
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Celeste has spent the latter years of her life living at a place where her son cemented his legendary status. In the Santos region of Sao Paulo. Pele thrived as a player at Santos between 1956 and 1974. Within those years, he won three FIFA World Cups for Brazil – 1958, 1962, and 1970.
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