Mexican team Pachuca unveiled a permanent throne for the late Brazil legend Pele at their Hidalgo stadium.
Since Pele died on Dec. 29 at the age of 82, many tributes have taken place around the world to honor the three-time World Cup winner.
Prior to Monday’s 5-1 home league win over Puebla, Pachuca president Jesus Martinez inaugurated the space dedicated to Pele at their home ground.
“A space for the throne of the king, the greatest in history,” Apertura 2022 winners Pachuca said on Twitter.
👑 | A space for #ElTronoDelReythe greatest in history.
LONG LIVE THE SKIN KING! ⚽️🔟#PorSiemprePele#PachucaSomosTodos🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/qM1WIr21XO
— Club Pachuca 🌟 (@Tuzos) January 10, 2023
Pele’s throne is placed below the directors’ box, in an area reserved for FIFA representatives.
Ahead of Monday’s Clausura opener, Pachuca players stepped onto the pitch donning Brazil jerseys while images of Pele were shown at the stadium before white balloons were released to end the tribute to O Rei.
SIMPLY SPECTACULAR. Pachuca’s tribute to King Pelé in Mexico.
📸 @Tuzos pic.twitter.com/G7xFdSGp45
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) January 10, 2023
In 2001, Pele traveled to Pachuca after one of the club pitches had been named after him, and three years later he attended the reopening of the Hidalgo stadium.