The football legend's wake: relatives and fans say goodbye to Pelé

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The wake for Brazilian football legend Pele began in Santos on Monday.

The night before, the coffin from São Paulo had been transported the approximately 75 kilometers to the port city, and hundreds were already lining the streets.

Photo: UESLEI MARCELINO / REUTERS

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On Monday, numerous fans passed the body of the three-time world champion lying in state in the middle of the Estádio Urbano Caldeira.

Brazil's new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was also expected at the stadium.

Photo: Wagner Meier / Getty Images

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At 10.05 a.m. local time, the doors to the FC Santos stadium opened to applause and shouts of Pelé.

The coffin will be carried by Pelé's son Edinho and former soccer professional and Bayern star Zé Roberto, among others.

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

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A fan points towards the sky.

Pelé died on December 29 at the age of 82.

The wake is expected to last 24 hours.

Photo: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP

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Pelé's coffin is opened.

Many floral wreaths were laid at the stadium, including on behalf of the Brazilian football federation CBF, FC Santos, star striker Neymar and former international Romário.

Photo: Matias Delacroix/AP

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The population also honored the football idol: A man walks past posters with the number 10, Pelé's jersey number.

Photo: Matias Delacroix / dpa

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Pelé's wife Márcia Aoki (2nd from right) mourns at her deceased husband's coffin.

Photo:

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Gianni Infantino also traveled to Santos.

“Pele is eternal.

We are here in great emotion and sadness, but also with a smile - because he gave us many of them, "said the FIFA President.

He is pictured with Pelé's son Edinho.

Photo: NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP

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Wife Márcia Aoki holds a rosary over Pelé's body.

Photo: DIEGO VARA / REUTERS

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An elderly woman waves goodbye from her home.

She is wearing a Santos FC shirt.

Photo:

UESLEI MARCELINO / REUTERS

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On Tuesday, a funeral procession will take the body through the neighborhood where Pelé's 100-year-old mother still lives to the Memorial Necropole Ecumênica high-rise cemetery.

Pelé is to be buried there with his family.

Photo: Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

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