Pele’s mum dies aged 101 a 12 months after being ‘unaware’ her son had handed away
The mother of Brazilian football legend Pele has passed away at the age of 101.
Celeste Arantes gave birth to the most successful World Cup player in history back in October 1940. Pele sadly succumbed to organ failure due to colon cancer in December 2022, just a month after his mother – known affectionately as Dona Celeste – marked her 100th birthday.
It was said the funeral procession carrying Pele’s coffin made its way past Celeste’s residence en route to his resting place at the world’s highest cemetery. However, family members confirmed that her health condition prevented her from fully understanding the her famous footballer son had died, the Mirror reported.
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Maria Lucia do Nascimento, Pele’s last surviving sibling, gave an interview in Brazil shortly after her brother’s passing. She disclosed their mother wasn’t clear-headed enough to grasp the situation.
“We talk but she doesn’t know the situation. She’s in her own world,” said Maria at the time. Celeste used to call Pele – the only footballer to win three World Cups – by his childhood nickname, Dico, and Maria added: “She opens her eyes when I mention his name and say, ‘We’re going to pray for him,’ but she’s not really conscious of what I’m saying.”
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(Image: pele/Instagram)
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A touching tribute was posted on the official Pele Instagram account, honouring his mother Celeste after news broke of her passing. It was there she was referred to as “queen-mother,” showcasing the immense respect she commanded in Brazil.
The Pele Foundation shared a heartfelt message, which read: “Behind every idol we know is a mother who provides all the necessary support to achieve our dreams.”
The post announced: “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Pele’s mother, Dona Celeste. A role model as a mother, she instilled humanitarian values that Edson (Pele) spread and defended throughout his journey.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Today’s feelings are mixed. We deeply mourn the departure of ‘Celestinha’, as her son affectionately called her. At the same time, we are eternally grateful for her existence.”
Reports indicate Celeste was hospitalised for eight days before her death, an event that some in Brazil’s press have described as the “end of an era.” Pele’s legacy is set to endure for many years, not least because of the significant influence his mother had on his illustrious career.
