Christ the Redeemer lights up with the colors of Brazil in tribute to Pelé

The Christ the Redeemer, Brazil’s most famous monument, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, was lit up today in green and yellow, the colors of the country’s flag, in homage to Pelé, who passed away this Thursday at the age of 82.

Minutes after Pelé’s death was known, the Cristo Redentor Archdiocesan Sanctuary, responsible for the symbol statue of Brazil, announced that the 30-meter monument would be illuminated in yellow and green from Thursday afternoon until Friday morning.

“The monument to Christ the Redeemer will be illuminated with the colors of Brazil throughout the night of this Thursday, in homage to the soccer player of the century, who enchanted the entire world in life and will always be a great inspiration for all Brazilians,” the Archdiocesan Sanctuary announced in a statement.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, died this Thursday in a São Paulo hospital at the age of 82, a victim of colon cancer that was diagnosed last year.

Winner of three World Cups with Brazil and top scorer in soccer history, with more than 1,200 goals, Pelé is considered in Brazil to be the best player in soccer history.

With information from Xinhua

More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.