It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Celeste Arantes, the mother of the legendary footballer Pelé, at the age of 101. Born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Celeste was the mother to three children: Pelé, Jair (nicknamed Zoca), and Maria Lúcia, who cared for her in her home in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo.
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Married to João Ramos do Nascimento, also known as Dondinho, a football player himself, Celeste was always a loving and devoted mother to her children. Although initially reluctant about her son Pelé pursuing a football career, she ultimately supported him in his quest to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Shortly before the death of Pelé at the age of 82, he paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother on her 100th birthday, November 20, 2022, coinciding with the opening day of the World Cup in Qatar. In a touching social media post, Pelé thanked his mother for all the lessons she had taught him from a young age.
SEM ELA, NADA TERIA ACONTECIDO! 😔👑🇧🇷 Celeste Arantes, mãe de Pelé, nos deixou nesta sexta-feira (21), aos 101 anos. Agradecemos por tudo que a senhora fez pelo nosso Rei, e consequentemente, por nós. A TNT Sports deseja força aos amigos e família nesse momento delicado. pic.twitter.com/NQpSda1T9M
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) June 21, 2024
A heartfelt tribute by Pelé
Unfortunately, Celeste was unable to attend her son’s funeral as she was very weak and bedridden at the time. However, Pelé’s funeral procession stopped in front of her house, amid the cheers and prayers of thousands of fans who came to pay their last respects.
Despite her initial hesitation to see her son embark on a football career, Celeste ultimately became proud of his achievements and his status as a living legend of the sport. Celeste’s wish was always for Pelé, nicknamed “Dico,” to be a good son and a good person, with faith as a fundamental guide.
Today, the football world bids a sad farewell to Celeste Arantes, a loving and devoted mother who saw her son become one of the greatest players of all time. Her teachings and unwavering support will forever remain in the memories of Pelé and all those fortunate enough to know her.
O Santos Futebol Clube lamenta profundamente o falecimento de Celeste Arantes do Nascimento, mãe do nosso eterno Rei.
Nascida em Três Corações, Celeste teve uma infância difícil ao lado de seu irmão Jorge. Ainda jovem, conheceu Dondinho, com quem viveu uma grande história de… pic.twitter.com/HWkxRws6Xi
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) June 21, 2024
