Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Athlete of the Century, King of Football. There are many ways to describe Pelé, who today left the world of football in mourning and millions of hearts overwhelmed with longing. 

For any soccer fan, he was a legend. For Flamengo, more than just an admirable opponent, he was a great partner in causes. In 1976, he returned from retirement from the Brazilian national team to participate in a match between Brazil and Flamengo, a tribute to star Geraldo "Assoviador," whose proceeds went to the family of the Flamengo player, who died prematurely at just 22 years old.

A few years later, the Mantle became the King's attire. For one day, he honored us with the title of number 10 for the red-and-black team. It was in 1979, in a friendly against Atlético-MG; the proceeds went to the victims of the floods that ravaged Minas Gerais. At the Maracanã stadium, some 140 privileged spectators witnessed the meeting of two British sports royalty: Zico and Pelé.

It wasn't just on the field that he made history. In even crueler times, Edson, a dark-skinned Black man from the outskirts of São Paulo, was crowned, becoming much more than an icon on the field, but also a beacon of hope for countless young Black people in our country.

If Brazil is this international sporting powerhouse, inspiring by winning with joy and grace, it's largely thanks to Pelé. And it goes further: the King was one of the main reasons for significantly increasing the number of soccer fans around the world.

Pelé stopped a war. The world stopped to see Pelé. And now it stops again because it can't see him anymore.

In light of this irreparable loss, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo offers its condolences to friends, family, fans and all football lovers.