Pele’s lookalike pays final respects to soccer legend

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STORY: Pele’s lookalike pays his final respects to the soccer legend

Date: January 2, 2023

Location: Santos, Brazil

(Nicanor Ribeiro, Pele lookalike)

“I just came to express my gratitude to him, to the whole family, may God receive him with great affection, this person who has been working for humanity since he was seven years old.”

Ribeiro took on the mantle of Pele lookalike in 2002

after being confused for the soccer star in the U.S.

"I arrived in the United States, without a beard, without glasses, I had had cataract surgery, the Americans saw me and said, 'Excuse me, please, photo, Pele, Pele.' After some time, it was believed that I looked like Pele. I was in a very strong depression, and, on March 8, 2002, on Women's Day, I became a double of King Pele and I still am today.”