A towering statue of football legend Pelé has been unveiled in Guadalajara, Mexico, one of the host cities for the 2023 FIFA World Cup. The 9.5-meter-tall monument stands as a tribute to Pelé's achievements with the Brazilian national team, particularly his performance during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where Brazil won the title.

Memorial to a Legend

The statue was unveiled in front of Jalisco Stadium, where Pelé played several matches during the 1970 World Cup. Brazil used this stadium for group stage games, a quarter-final, and a semi-final before winning the championship against Italy in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Pelé, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup, one of his three World Cup titles.

World Cup Matches in Guadalajara

The 2023 World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see four matches in Guadalajara:

  • South Korea vs. Czech Republic, June 12
  • Mexico vs. South Korea, June 18
  • Colombia vs. Congo, June 23
  • Uruguay vs. Spain, June 26