Pele’s mother ‘doesn’t know’ football legend has died reveals sister

Pele’s mother does not know that her son has died according to his sister.

The football legend had been in hospital in Sao Paulo since late November.

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram: “We are thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”

Nascimento, who had posted before Christmas that members of Pele’s family would spend the holiday period in the hospital with him, added three heartbroken emojis.

A message on Pele’s official social media accounts read: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today.

“Love, love and love, forever.”

The hospital said in a statement Pele died at 3.27pm local time (6.27pm GMT) on Thursday “due to the failure of multiple organs as a result of the progression of colon cancer”.

As tributes poured in from across the world, a tweet from the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) read simply “King Pele”, accompanied by three crown emojis.

Instagram: Pele

Now, Pele’s sister has revealed that his own mother “doesn’t know” that he is dead, explaining that she is “in her own world”.

Speaking to Brazilian media, she said: “We talk but she doesn’t know the situation. She’s in her own world.”

“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.”

Pele’s mother Celeste is 100 years old and is looked after by Pele’s sister, Maria Lucia do Nascimento.

Back in November, Pele wished his mother a happy birthday in an Instagram post.

He wrote: "Today we celebrate 100 years of life of Our Lady Celeste. From a little child, she taught me the value of love and peace. I have way more than a hundred reasons to be thankful for being your son. I share these photos with you, with great excitement to celebrate this day.

"Thank you for everyday by your side, mom..Today, we celebrate 100 years of Dona Celeste's life. From a young age, she taught me the value of love and peace.

"I have well over a hundred reasons to be thankful for being her son. I share these photos with you, with great emotion to celebrate this day. Thank you for every day by your side, Mom."

The Brazilian government announced it would hold three days of national mourning for the “great man and superb athlete”.

The hospital said in a statement Pele died at 3.27pm local time (6.27pm GMT) on Thursday “due to the failure of multiple organs as a result of the progression of colon cancer”.
Instagram: Pele