ele funeral – live updates
Brazilian football great Pele, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was this afternoon in Santos laid to rest at the Memorial Necropole Ecumenical cemetery in a ceremony attended by just family.
It followed a procession through the city where Pele made his name, with his coffin having been lying in state inside the stadium during three days of national mourning announced last week by the Brazilian government. Long queues had formed outside the stadium, with some fans waiting overnight for their opportunity to bid farewell to a player many consider the best to have ever lived.
Pele, who died on December 29 after a battle with cancer, reportedly chose his final resting place on the ninth of the vertical ceremony, allowing him to watch over the Santos stadium. Follow the latest updates from Santos as Brazil pays tribute to and lay to rest their greatest footballer.
Live updates
Pele’s body has arrived at its final resting place on the ninth floor of the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica, a vertical cemetery that overlooks the Santos football pitch.
He was carefully lowered from that fire engine and pallbearers took the coffin inside the building.
A hugely emotional day for Brazil and the wider football world. Goodbye to a king.
He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony just attended by family.
Pele is approaching the cemetery.
Much-criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino has released a long statement after attending Pele’s wake yesterday.
He appeared to take a selfie next to the casket, which did not go down well with some.
A touching tribute from Gary Lineker.
The atmosphere is a somber one, but still plenty of singing in celebration of the great man. There have been reports of fireworks along the route.
Thousands in tears as Pele nears his final resting place.
Pele’s 102-year-old mother, Dona Celeste, is waiting for her son.
Further footage of the cortege.
Pele’s casket is now winding through local neighbourhoods.
Thousands lining the procession route.
