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| Pelé: Why black Brazilians like me |
Pelé won his first World Cup only 70 years after slavery was finally abolished in Brazil.
Pelé, o Rei, has passed away.
Brazil and the rest of the world are in mourning, and many of us are mourning an idol we never saw on the field.
As a 23-year-old, I was not there during the beginning, middle, or finish of his illustrious football career. But it is irrelevant. Pelé was and will always be a household name.
Football was a big part of our lives growing up in Rio de Janeiro, a city full of energy and passion.
The Maracana, where Pelé scored his thousandth goal, was representative of my daily life until I went to the UK at the age of 11.
We were constantly close by. During match days, the city could feel the bustle and frenzy. Traffic would be slower, restaurants would be busier, and the streets would be more noisier.
As I was writing for the BBC's tributes live website last night, my family group chat was vibrating with the news of King Pelé's death.
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| Pelé: Why black Brazilians |
Four generations, all equally crushed by the passing of an idol. Words, emoticons, and GIFs reflected our disbelief; after all, we are Brazilians, and emotions run high.
But it was my aunt's reply that stayed with me. She emphasised that while analysing Pelé's life, the Brazilian media used the term "our king is black."
Flamengo fans at the Maracana stadium IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES
Caption for an image,
Thousands of football fans from all across Brazil go to Rio de Janeiro to witness important matches at Maracana.
His celebrity is undeniable, and his global impact reveals much more about him than his nationality and origin.
Hearing such words, though, is significant for Brazil's black population. A lot. And they represent a paradigm change that has been occurring for decades, one in which Pelé played a critical part.
Because Pelé ascended to national treasure status in a country with a long history of enslavement and discord.
On the field, he was often subjected to monkey chants and received various racial nicknames. He once claimed that if he had stopped every game because of a monkey insult, he would have had to halt all of them.
According to his biographer Angelica Basthi, he was instrumental in creating space and recognition for black people in Brazilian football, although he was never personally engaged in the struggle against racism.
Speaking to my mom, she informs me that Pelé "signifies excellence and paradox".
Contradiction, since many Brazilians were troubled by his unwillingness to speak out against racism.
Greatness as a result of the route he paved for us, black Brazilians. Pelé came to prominence despite Brazil's deeply ingrained prejudice.
"He enabled us, black Brazilians, to witness one of our own adored by the people, seen as a King, a symbol for the whole nation," my mother says.
"Pelé won his first World Cup almost 70 years after slavery was abolished [in Brazil], in a nation that still treats black people as second-class citizens.
"He was an idol who showed us that being a black guy of worldwide significance is achievable."
Pele scores a header against Italy in the 1970 World Cup.
Slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888. It is not ancient history for us, and anti-black bigotry is still prevalent.
Pelé's voice and gravity could be heard in major game commentary long after his career ended, especially during World Cups.
"Even though he was silent, he was able to contribute significantly to Brazil's reputation throughout the globe," Edward Helal, a friend and great football enthusiast, tells me.
When asked about the atmosphere in Rio, Edward explains that most people are paying their respects and expressing their thanks to the King of Football.
Even today, when I return home for the holidays, I dare not offer anything other than our world-famous football commentary in the background on a Wednesday evening or a Sunday afternoon.
Pelé is to blame - and to thank - for this.
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