Pele mausoleum opens to the public as fans visit Brazilian legend’s coffin in world’s tallest cemetery

Fans have paid their respect to football legend Pele after his mausoleum was opened to the public in Brazil.

The three-time World Cup winner passed away at the age of 82 in December following a battle with colon cancer.

AFP

AFP

AFP

And five months on from his funeral, his adoring supporters can now visit his coffin in Santos – who he represented between 1956-1974.

A tomb truly fit for a king, Pele was laid to rest in a golden casket, which is located in the world’s tallest cemetery.

And the public can now visit his mausoleum on the second floor of the 14-storey tall Ecumenical Memorial Cemetery.

Two golden life-sized statues of Pele welcome visitors by the door, where they stand next to Brazil and Santos flags.

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AFP

Inside, fans may be forgiven in thinking they are walking out onto a football pitch with artificial grass laid out on the floor.

His golden coffin is displayed in the middle of a 200-square-meter room, with images of fans plastered on the walls, with a soundtrack of cheering played in the background.

Memorable moments from Pele’s career are also on show, which includes black etchings of his 1,000th goal and his trademark raised-fist celebration.

Pele’s son, Edinho, who was present at the opening ceremony told news outlet G1: “This was made with a lot of love by people who knew him and lived with him.

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AFP

“So it has the essence of what he was. It is very noble, very simple and pleasant.”

In a separate interview Citizen Digital, he said: “We’re very proud and happy at all the affection and reverence that’s kept pouring in.”

Businessman Ronaldo Rodrigues, who was one of the first in line to visit, remarked: “It surpassed my expectations. It’s a really beautiful place.

“I hope lots of tourists will come visit and get to know a little about Pele’s story, what he represented for Santos, Brazil and the entire world.”

Only 60 fans can visit Pele’s tomb a day, with guests having to use a sign-up form on the cemetery’s website.