Rio Eyes Renaming Iconic Maracana Stadium For Pele
Muhammad Rameez Published March 10, 2021 | 09:07 PM
Football's greatest living legend, Pele, could add another to his long list of accolades: the Rio de Janeiro state legislature has voted to rename Brazil's iconic Maracana stadium for him
Rio de Janeiro, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :Football's greatest living legend, Pele, could add another to his long list of accolades: the Rio de Janeiro state legislature has voted to rename Brazil's iconic Maracana stadium for him.
Lawmakers voted Tuesday to change the stadium's official name to "Edson Arantes do Nascimento - Rei Pele" -- the three-time world champion's full name, plus "King Pele," his nickname.
The bill now goes to interim governor Claudio Castro, who has 15 days to decide whether to sign it into law.
Pele's communications team did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The Rio stadium's official name is currently "Jornalista Mario Filho," for a beloved Brazilian journalist and sportswriter credited with helping give football the near-religious devotion it enjoys in the country today.
The bill would retain Filho's name for the sports complex surrounding the stadium, which also includes gymnastics and athletics venues.
But to Brazilians, the stadium is simply known by the name of the surrounding neighborhood, the Maracana.
The stadium has been the scene of historic matches including the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, as well as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics.
It is the home stadium for two local football clubs, Fluminense and reigning champions Flamengo.
But the giant 78,000-seat stadium's history is also loaded with trauma for Brazilians.
It opened in 1950 for the World Cup, hosting Brazil's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the final -- an event still sorrowfully remembered as the "Maracanaco," which roughly translates as "Maracana death blow."Pele, 80, is credited with restoring Brazil's football pride in the aftermath.
The only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), he is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
Pakistan embassy organizes scholarship award ceremony in Kathmandu
SC to hear case pertaining IHC judges' letter on April 30
SC orders removal of barriers outside buildings in Karachi
PFA launches crackdown, impose fine for selling expired drinks, food items
ICRC, Rehab Initiative host diplomatic spouses' tour
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
More Stories From Sports
-
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
28 minutes ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
3 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
3 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
3 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
2 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
3 hours ago
-
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
2 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
2 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
2 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
5 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
5 hours ago -
Wapda Inter-Unit Kabaddi Tournament to start from April 28
5 hours ago