Brazil legend Pele immortalised in the DICTIONARY – but what is the exact definition?
BRAZIL legend Pele has been immortalised in the dictionary after a successful campaign.
The footballing icon passed away in December aged 82 following a battle with colon cancer.
Portuguese language dictionary Michaelis, one of the most popular in Pele‘s homeland, have added his name as an adjective to it’s online issue and to their next print edition.
The decision to make the icon’s name a word in its own right comes after 125,000 signatures were signed in support of the honour.
“Pele” means unique.
It’s official definition states: “pe.lé adj. That or someone who is out of the ordinary, who or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equalled to anything or anyone.
“Just like Pele, nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), who is considered the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique.”
His former club Santos and TV channel SporTV both supported the movement to have him commemorated in language.
They both helped the Pele Foundation, who came up with the idea.
The charity have labelled the move a fitting tribute to “the king“.
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Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest to have ever stepped onto a football pitch.
The ex-New York Cosmos striker netted 778 goals from 846 official matches.
He won the World Cup three times with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970.