The mother of Brazilian football icon Pele has died at the age of 101.
Celeste Arantes – affectionately known to the world as Dona Celeste – gave birth to the most decorated World Cup star of all time back in 1940. Pele died from organ failure caused by colon cancer in December 2022, one month after his mother celebrated her 100th birthday.
It's understood the funeral procession carrying Pele's casket went past Celeste's house on its way to the cemetery. However, family confirmed her condition meant she was in no state to fully grasp what was happening as her son was laid to rest.
Maria Lucia do Nascimento – Pele's last surviving sibling – conducted an interview in Brazil soon after her brother's death. And she revealed their centenarian mother wasn't lucid enough to comprehend the death of her son, who was the only player to win three World Cups.
“We talk but she doesn’t know the situation. She’s in her own world,” Maria said at the time. Celeste referred to Pele 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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18 months on, a post from the official Pele Instagram account has paid tribute to Celeste following news of her death. A note from the Pele Foundation said: "Behind every idol we know is a mother who provides all the necessary support to achieve our dreams." It also referred to Celeste as "queen-mother," indicating the high regard in which she was held.
Pele with his mother, Celeste Arantes, in 1959 in Santos (Getty Images)"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Pele’s mother, Dona Celeste," read the homage. "A role model as a mother, she instilled humanitarian values that Edson (Pele) spread and defended throughout his journey.
"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."
It's understood Celeste spent eight days in hospital prior to her death, which has been dubbed the "end of an era" by some in Brazil's media. The legacy of Pele will live on for generations to come thanks to his contributions to football, with his mother having a celebrated influence on that journey.
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