Joao Araujo, know as Didi, 84, who was hairdresser to Brazilian soccer legend Pele, holds a picture of himself with Pele, as he mourns his death, in Santos, Brazil, December 30, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
A barber who first met Brazilian soccer legend Pele in the 1950s and cut his hair for decades said on Friday he hoped God would take care of the late athlete.
Pele, who died on Thursday aged 82, rose from poverty to become one of the greatest athletes in modern history and the only man to win three World Cups as a player.
"He came to have his hair cut a couple of times a month and to cut his beard it was every two days," said Joao Araujo, who said he first met Pele in 1956 or 1957 and whose barber shop in the city of Santos houses memorabilia of the star. Pele spent most of his playing career at Santos soccer club.
Joao Araujo, know as Didi, 84, who was hairdresser to Brazilian soccer legend Pele, looks at a picture of himself with Pele, as he mourns his death, in Santos, Brazil, December 30, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Araujo said he last saw Pele, who suffered colon cancer, last year.
"(I hope) God takes care of him."
Joao Araujo, know as Didi, 84, who was hairdresser to Brazilian soccer legend Pele, works as he mourns Pele's death, in Santos, Brazil, December 30, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
(Reporting by Lais Morais in Santos, Brazil,; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Joao Araujo, know as Didi, 84, who was hairdresser to Brazilian soccer legend Pele, looks on as he mourns Pele's death, in Santos, Brazil, December 30, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda PerobelliJoao Araujo, know as Didi, 84, who was hairdresser to Brazilian soccer legend Pele, holds a picture of himself with Pele, as he mourns his death, in Santos, Brazil, December 30, 2022. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
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