Celeste Arantes, the devoted mother of football legend Pelé, has passed away at the age of 101. The family announced her passing on Friday, just 18 months after her son’s death.
Born in 1920, Arantes gave birth to Pelé at the tender age of 17, and dedicated her life to raising him and their second son, Jair. She was a stay-at-home mother who put the needs of her family first, always prioritizing their well-being above all else.
In her later years, Arantes struggled with cognitive difficulties, and was unaware of her son’s passing when he died in December 2022. Her own son Jair had passed away in 2020 after battling cancer, the same illness that ultimately took Pelé’s life.
Pelé himself spoke fondly of his mother on her 100th birthday, describing her as a beacon of love and peace. “she taught me the importance of love and kindness,” he wrote on social media.
The news of Arantes’ passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and family alike. Her eldest son Edinho paid tribute to his grandmother on Instagram, writing “Rest in peace, grandma” alongside a photo of the two embracing.
Arantes’ life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
