April 26, (THEWILL) – Iconic Brazilian footballer, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, has been immortalised in a new way after the Portuguese edition of the Michaelis dictionary added his name as an adjective.
The Pele Foundation and Sportv launched the “Pele in the Dictionary” campaign to honour the legacy of the three-time World Cup winner in fields beyond sport. The campaign attracted over 100,000 signatures, and the dictionary entry was unveiled at the Summit Sports event in Pacaembu on Wednesday.
According to the entry, the word “Pe.lé®” is used to describe someone who is incomparable, exceptional, unique, and out of the ordinary, much like the former footballer himself. The dictionary has already included the new adjective in its digital edition, and it will also be featured in the next printed version.
Pele’s family was presented with a plaque featuring the new entry to honour his legacy. Joe Fraga, Executive Director of the Pele Foundation, hailed the campaign as one of the most original they have ever participated in. “His name in the dictionary is a very important piece of his legacy that will keep Pele alive forever,” he said.
Pele died in December 2022, at the age of 81, but his impact on football and Brazilian culture is undeniable.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
