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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Thiago Mostazo and Mauricio Savarese

Soccer great Pelé's legacy shines on in his one-time home ahead of the World Cup

Brazil Pele Legacy - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

As the FIFA World Cup approaches, the image of one of Brazil's most recognizable footballers lives on in Santos, the one-time home of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, far better known as Pelé.

Tourists like Mario Álvarez Gamiño, a 67-year-old retired salesperson from Mexico, flock to Santos to see anything that connects the Brazilian port city to the man. The soccer legend's legacy is everywhere — in vibrant murals by street artist Eduardo Kobra, among the memorabilia of his beloved club and even on posters glued to local lampposts.

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