By The Brazilian football community is in mourning following the death of Celeste Arantes, mother of soccer legend Pelé, who passed away on Friday at the age of 101. Arantes, affectionately known as “Celestinha” by her famous son, had been in a vegetative state for the past five years and was unaware of Pelé’s death in December 2022.
After an eight-day hospitalization, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Arantes’ passing, though they did not disclose the exact cause of death. Her departure marks the end of an era in Brazilian football history, coming just over a year after the loss of her son, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
The Pelé Foundation released a statement expressing mixed emotions, saying, “We deeply mourn the departure of ‘Celestinha,’ as her son affectionately called her. At the same time, we are eternally grateful for her existence.” The foundation hailed Dona Celeste as the “queen mother,” emphasizing her lasting impact on both Pelé’s life and Brazilian football culture.
Santos FC, where Pelé spent the majority of his illustrious career, paid tribute to Arantes, describing her as “the mother of our eternal king.” The club highlighted her resilience, stating, “She had 101 years of an inspiring life story. She was a black woman who faced endless adversities in life for the good of her family.
Arantes played a crucial role in shaping Pelé’s career, despite initial reservations about her son becoming a professional footballer. Her journey from skepticism to support mirrored Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s rise to international stardom, known globally as Pelé.
Pelé, one of Celeste Arantes’ three children,’s success on the world stage brought unprecedented attention to their family. Her life story, spanning over a century, encapsulates the dramatic changes in Brazilian society and the global football landscape.
The passing of Celeste Arantes not only represents a personal loss for the Pelé family but also closes a significant chapter in the annals of Brazilian and world football history. Her legacy, intertwined with that of her legendary son, will continue to inspire future generations of soccer enthusiasts and players alike.
