FIFA has named a stadium in Rwanda after Brazilian football legend Pele.
The “Kigali Pele Stadium” was unveiled by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday during the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali.
The multi-sports ground, previously known as Kigali Regional Stadium, can hold up to 22,000 people.
The inauguration of the stadium was presided over by President Paul Kagame who expressed gratitude to Infantino for giving Rwanda the opportunity to honor Pele by naming the stadium after him.
The ceremony was attended by several high-level officials, including the president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe.
Infantino said that the move was the best way to preserve Pele’s football legacy, and that “even though he had passed away, his spirit would remain with us.”
Pele, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 81, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 goals in his career.
