At 101, Pele's mother died

At the age of 101, the mother of world football icon Pele died – Celeste Arantes, FOCUS reported.

The former club of the late Pele Santos and two former assistants of the three-time world champion have confirmed the news.

Arantes spent the last five years in a vegetative state and was not informed of her son's death in 2022.

"Santos deeply regrets the death of Celeste Arantes do Nascimento, the mother of our Eternal King. She had an inspiring life story at 101 years old. A woman who faced endless hardships in life for the good of her family," the club's statement on social media said.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, is one of three children of Celeste Arantes. She was initially against her son becoming a professional football player, but gradually changes his mind as he becomes more and more successful.

Pele died on December 29, 2022.