A sentimental Brazil began paying its final respects to football legend Pele on Monday with a 24-hour wake at the stadium where his exploits first took the world's breath away.
Hundreds of fans filed into the Vila Belmiro, home of Pele's longtime club, Santos, on Monday morning, where the coffin containing the remains of "O Rei" (The King) was displayed in the center of the field, ahead of a funeral procession and private burial scheduled for Tuesday.
Among those present were FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other dignitaries.
Pele died on December 29, 2022, following a long battle with cancer.
See the following photos from the wake:
