Giant statue of Pelé is installed in Mexico city that will host 2026 World Cup games

Giant statue of Pelé is installed in Mexico city that will host games of the 2026 World Cup
One of the host cities of the 2026 World Cup, Guadalajara, Mexico, recently inaugurated an almost 10 meter high statue in honor of Pelé. The monument reinforces the city's historical connection with the Brazilian team, which had the city as its home during the 1970 and 1986.
The tribute was erected on the outskirts of the Jalisco Stadium, the scene of important moments in the history of the Brazilian team. It was there that Brazil played five matches in the third world championship campaign in 1970 and another five in the 1986 World Cup.
Giant statue of Pelé is installed in Mexico city that will host 2026 World Cup games
Reproduction/TV Globo
Connection between Guadalajara and Brazilian football
The Globo Repórter report in Mexico highlighted the strong connection between Guadalajara and Brazilian football.
"In the '70 World Cup, this place went crazy with five Brazilian games. In '86, another five... including the elimination against France, but we can forget that, right!", joked presenter Sandra Annenberge when visiting the Jalisco Stadium.
Pelé gets a giant statue in Mexico
Reproduction/TV Globo
The city's passion for the national team remains alive decades after the World Cups. calls Brazil. And he won this statue in honor of our heroes of the 70's World Cup", he said.
Praça Brasil in Guadalajara
Reproduction/TV Globo
The presenter also drew attention to the newest tribute to Brazilian football.
"The passion is so great that a new tribute has just emerged, here... a giant Pelé!", he said. The statue is almost 10 meters high.
Among the residents, memories of the star remain alive. Retired Rafael Saldaña said he watched Pelé on the field when he was just 15 years old.
"I was 15 years old... when I saw Pelé", he recalled. About the Brazilian team at the time, he was emphatic: "Beautiful game! Brazil was great! (...) full of stars!".
Brazilian football honored in square in Mexico
Reproduction/TV Globo
Rafael also stated that the Mexicans' affection for the team was shared throughout the country.
"The country supported Brazil", he said.
Educator Claudia Sarabia recalled the impact that the team had on the local population during the World Cup.
"All the colors, yellow... and the mix with our flag, it was motivating! How can we forget?", he said.
The businessman Javier Sanchez highlighted the legacy left by the three-time champion generation.
"Who played better than them? Nobody!", he declared.
For Javier, the absence of the Brazilian team in Mexico during the next World Cup will be felt by the local fans.
"It's sad, I expected Brazil to come", lamented.
Claudia summarized the feeling shared by many residents of the region:
"The Brazilian team is a symbol of Jalisco and Guadalajara"
Pelé gets a giant statue in Mexico
Reproduction/TV Globo
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Source: G1