Brazilians paid tribute to soccer legend Pele on Friday, a year after the three-time World Cup champion died aged 82 of colon cancer.

The ceremony took place in the area of ​​the famous statue of “Christ the Redeemer”, which was illuminated in the colors of Brazil. They also wore a shirt with the name Pele and the number 10 on the statue, while a message from Pope Francis was read.

“Pele, as Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento became known worldwide, was undoubtedly an athlete who showed in his life all the positive characteristics of an athlete. The memory of the ‘King of Football’ remains indelible in the minds of many and prompts new generations to look to sport as a means to strengthen ties between them,” the pontiff said in a letter, while the local orchestra played.

A religious ceremony was held in Pele’s hometown of Tres Coroasos, in the state of Minas Gerais (southeast), in the church where he was baptized.

On Friday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) published an article in tribute to the “greatest of all time”, noting that several stadiums had been named after him, including seven outside Brazil.

Finally, FIFA addressed the event with a message on social networks: “One year ago we said goodbye to a legend.”