FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a surprise visit to Paris on Saturday to officially rename the Boutroux Stadium in honour of the legendary Brazilian footballer, Pelé.
The stadium, located in a working-class neighbourhood, has been renamed Stade Pelé in recognition of the iconic player’s enduring impact on the sport.
Infantino highlighted the significance of the project, noting that “Pelé was a unifying force in football, transcending borders and generations.
“He was the first global superstar and a trailblazer for the sport’s international appeal. The renaming of the stadium serves as a testament to Pelé’s lasting legacy and his contributions to the beautiful game.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a plea for children worldwide to remember and know who Pelé was after his passing a year and a half ago.
He requested that a stadium or site be named after him everywhere in the world. The Paris stadium is the latest to be renamed in honor of the Brazilian forward, following venues in Colombia, the Maldives, and Rwanda.
“Pelé was the first to try amazing things with the ball at his feet. And not only did he try them, he was also the first to pull them off. Many others copied him later, and some have succeeded, others less so,” said Infantino.
The ceremony also celebrated the promotion of the stadium’s home club, Paris 13 Atletico, to the French third division for next season. But even with its new entrance and frescoes, the stadium is still not approved to host the team’s national league matches next season.
A budget has been approved, and officials said Saturday’s inauguration was an important step, as bearing the name of Pelé obliges them to maintain a certain level of excellence.
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