Does the FIFA President want every country to have a stadium named after Pelé? After the death of the world’s greatest football player, Pelé, many parties are ceasing the chance to commemorate his demise by keeping his legacy alive.
The legendary player’s coffin was placed in the Viva Belmiro Stadium. It was the last time people could pay tribute to the footballer before burying him today in Santos, Pelé’s hometown.
Picture: Sky News
However, during the teary ceremony, FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, voiced a request that made people ponder its significance.
Gianni Infantino wants every country to have a football stadium with Pele’s name
In a short interview conducted by journalist Steve Scott, the FIFA president wishes every country in the world had a football stadium named after Pelé.
In Pele’s home city Santos, FIFA President Gianni Infantino tells me why he wants every nation on earth to name a football stadium after the Brazilian icon. #Pele pic.twitter.com/2ICZNIQToj
— Steve Scott (@stevescott_itv) January 2, 2023
Infantino says it’s essential for the younger and newer generation to know about Pelé. It’s also to help them reminisce about many achievements and contributions Pelé had given not only in football but society and culture.
Some of Pelé’s outstanding achievements include:
- Scored a goal (17 years 239 days)
- Scored a hat-trick 917 years 244 days)
- And scored in a final (17 years 249)
He was the youngest player at the World Cup to do all these.
As much as it’s a heartwarming gesture, naming a stadium after a football player is both possible and impossible.
There are many things that need to be in consideration since it’s a tedious process that involves many parties. Not only that but naming a stadium after someone who is not from the country can be a bit unusual.
However, it’s plausible for a Pelé stadium to exist worldwide, and Malaysia will not be snubbed from the list.
What do you think? As much as Pelé has left a legacy from his years of playing football, is it necessary for every country to have a stadium named after him?
Sources: Diario AS, Twitter Steve Scott, Twitter OptaJoao
