"Diego is my friend, but Pelé is the best
," says Roberto Carlos in the preview of The Best awards, on the green carpet that gives access to the gala.
It is that, a few months after his departure, it was expected that at the party that honors the best players, coaches and even the best fans of last season,
Edson Arantes do Nascimento
, better known as O Rei
Pelé
, would be remembered
He passed away on December 29, a few days after the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
FIFA President
Gianni Infantino
was in charge of opening the ceremony.
After stating that "this year we witnessed the first World Cup in history", the man of Swiss and Italian nationality recalled the losses suffered by the most popular sport in the world in recent times.
"Football is joy but also sadness. In recent times we have lost some great friends. Siniša Mihajlovicćć, Gianluca Vialli, their smiles, their courage... and we also remember the King, Pelé" started the strong man of FIFA.
"What can we say about Pelé. Pelé is football, simple football, we lost him, we miss him a lot, but he is eternal, he will always be with us. I want to thank his family for accompanying us," he said and gave rise to the video he remembered to the Brazilian star.
Among the constellation of Brazilian stars who attended The Best gala, Ronaldo Nazario appeared.
The former Barcelona and Inter player told what Pelé meant: "Talking about Pelé is too much for me. When I think of Pelé I think of a very different player. IN the 50s he was already modern, he hit him with both legs, he jumped more than the others , control oriented, head bike, he was smarter than the rest. He was my friend, he supported me in one of the most difficult moments of my life. Later, also in the happy ones, in the 2002 World Cup. The world was most racist in his time, a black athlete who became the best in the world. We can all be inspired."
Finally, Ronaldo presented the award to Marcia, Pelé's partner.
"It's an honor to be at this magnificent FIFA party, I only have two words to say: God have Edson," said the crack woman.
News in development