Pele’s £1.1m mansion abandoned & stripped by fanatic looters after house ‘left to rot by son’ following legend’s death
PELÉ’S £1.1million beachside mansion has been abandoned and stripped by fanatic looters as it was left to rot following the legend’s death.
The late star’s once-luxurious home in Brazil‘s coastline is now a graveyard of memories of lovers, football, and a debt of thousands of pounds after his family took over the mansion.
For over 40 years, Pelé’s haven was his mansion situated in an exclusive condominium in Guarujá, in the São Paulo state.
In the property valued at approximately £1.1million (R$8 million), the King of Football experienced the greatest memories between his many trips around the world.
Just 500 metres from the ocean, the house is located on Pernambuco beach, one of the most prestigious beaches in Brazil.
Built on land that occupies an entire block, Pelé’s home is surrounded by a stone wall, which looks more like a fortress.
Behind it, there are stories that begin around 1981, when Pelé stopped living in New York, in the United States, to resume life close to his family in Brazil.
THE KING’S HAVEN
With dozens of suites and rooms, there was plenty of space for his countless trophies, a cinema and even a professional studio where Pelé ventured to record his own songs.
When friends came over, a huge dance club on the top floor would turn any gathering into a wild party.
The King didn’t need to leave his home to have fun as his backyard featured tennis and footvolley courts, a mini football field, a sauna and a large swimming pool.
Pelé also built a chapel on the site, so that his mother, Celeste, could pray, as the Arantes do Nascimento family had always been very Catholic.
The mansion was the King’s penultimate home. It was where Pelé experienced great love, including his relationship with presenter Xuxa and other famous models and actresses of the time.
Part of his marriages also took place in the house – he moved after the end of the first with Rosemeri Cholbi, but lived there with Assíria Nascimento, his second wife, and also with Márcia Aoki, his last partner.
Famous global artists, musicians, athletes and even journalists who were old friends were frequent guests at Pelé home, who would be welcomed by the football star in shorts and shirtless.
At Pernambuco Beach, Pelé could leave the Santos star at the door and enjoy some family time as Edson.
LEFT TO ROT
The once lavish mansion has now fallen into disrepair after Pelé’s death in December 2022.
An example of the financial crisis that plagued the King’s business in his final years, the home raked up a property tax debt with the Guarujá City Hall of approximately £70,000.
It has been on the market for sale since 2017 but chances of it getting sold are slim as the home was robbed by looters ever since.
Shocking pictures show the giant pool completely green next to a crumbling jacuzzi and waterslide.
There is no water in the bathrooms and no furniture apart from some broken objects and equipment.
Outside, overgrown grass and bushes are starting to swallow the home, also marked with traces of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
Pelé’s family has denied that the home is in abandonment state, Brazilian outlet Istoe reports.
Pelé's life and career
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
He started his professional career at the young age of 15 with Santos FC and quickly rose to fame due to his exceptional talent and goal-scoring ability.
Pelé joined Santos FC in 1956, making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut.
His remarkable skills and agility caught the attention of the football world, and he soon became a key player for the team.
By the age of 16, he was the top scorer in the Brazilian league.
Pelé’s international debut came in 1957 when he played for the Brazilian national team.
He gained worldwide recognition during the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, where he scored six goals, including two in the final, helping Brazil win their first World Cup.
At just 17, he became the youngest player to play in a World Cup final.
Pelé went on to win two more World Cups with Brazil in 1962 and 1970.
The 1970 World Cup in Mexico is particularly notable, as Brazil’s team, featuring Pelé, is often considered one of the greatest football teams in history.
The star’s performance in this tournament solidified his legacy, as he scored crucial goals and provided assists, showcasing his all-around brilliance.
Pelé’s impact on football is immeasurable. He was named FIFA’s Player of the Century and received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the International Peace Award and the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Brazilian legend sadly passed away in December 2022 aged 82, after a long battle with cancer.