INTERNATIONAL
Real Madrid star to wear tribute Pelé Brazil ‘10’ shirt
The Brazilian team will honour the legend with a special shirt that will bear his name, and we now know the current star who’ll wear the historic jersey.
Brazil will play a friendly match against Morocco on Saturday, which will serve as a tribute to Pelé. This will be the five-time world champion’s first game since the death of one of the greatest players in history, which happened on 29 December.
As a mark of respect, each player will wear the name “Pelé” under their number. And on this special occasion it will be particularly emotional for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who will wear the number 10 for the first time in his career, following the absence of Neymar through injury.
Rodrygo Goes up to number 10
The Brazilian Football Confederation announced a tribute to Pelé during this upcoming match against the Moroccan team, who reached the semifinals at Qatar 2022. In memory of the legendary player, a minute of applause will be held, and images of him will be displayed on advertising panels during the game. The tribute will also be reflected in the team’s kit, with each player wearing the name “Pelé” under their number.
In the lead-up to the friendly match, the interim coach Ramón Menezes has maintained uncertainty over Rodrygo’s place in the starting lineup. On the other hand, his club teammates Éder Militao and Vinicius Jr are pretty much guaranteed a starting berth. The game will also feature Casemiro. However, if Rodrygo is indeed honored with the number 10, everything indicates that he will start the game. This will be an especially meaningful moment for the player, who was developed at Santos, just like Pelé.
Pelé's death at the age of 82 sent shockwaves through the football world, especially in Brazil. A heartfelt tribute was held at Vila Belmiro, the pitch where he spent most of his career in the ranks of the Peixe, at the farewell to the three-time world champion. Now, the memory of Pelé will be honored in Rabat.
“Pelé is the best player of all time and deserves to be remembered forever by the CBF. Pelé's legacy will always be celebrated under my direction,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF.