SOCCER
Neymar picks up the Budweiser “Player of the History” award for Pelé
After undergoing surgery to remove a colon tumor in September 2021, Pelé has been hospitalized for three weeks to reevaluate the efficacy of his chemotherapy treatment.
The Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento ‘Pelé,’ who is now undergoing cancer treatment in a hospital, was honored this past Friday with the “Player of the History” trophy, which forward Neymar Jr picked up for him.
“It’s a really significant day for me today. First, I just wanted to let you know that I was invited to attend the Budweiser ceremony when Pelé was honored with the “Player of the History” trophy. Being a part of this historic occasion is an incredible honor for me “, Neymar said in an Instagram video.
U.S. beer company Budweiser, which was an official sponsor of the last World Cup in Qatar, presented a trophy to Brazil’s forward for the French club Paris Saint-Germain and the national team.
“You guys know that Pelé is significant to me. Our love and reverence for you, King, will remain forever.” Said the PSG player after receiving the award for the Brazilian legend.
The Brazilian star was clear about why this is important
“The homage is beautiful and extremely significant,” Neymar said, “not only because Pelé is the only player to have won three World Cups, but also because there have previously been numerous ‘Players of the Match’ in various times of football, but only one ‘Player of History’.”
Pelé's family thanks Neymar and hopes for the best
After undergoing surgery to remove a colon tumor in September 2021, Pelé has been hospitalized for three weeks to reevaluate the efficacy of his chemotherapy treatment and to recover from a “respiratory infection” that was discovered a few days after his first admission.
One of Pelé's daughters, Kelly Nascimento, took to social media to express her gratitude to Neymar for accepting the trophy on her father’s behalf, writing that the PSG striker “with all his brilliance, light, and heart” now carries “the baton of the beautiful game and carry it all over the globe.”