The Brazilian government announced last Tuesday that Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, would be commemorated on that day. The man considered by the entire footballing world to be the greatest player of all time is being honoured by the Brazilian government. 

The date chosen is 19 November, the day in 1969 when Pele scored his 1,000th goal in a match between Santos, his lifelong team, and Vasco de Gama.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva approved a law on Tuesday that will make "King Pele Day" a reality, commemorating the football star who died in 2022. According to Tuesday's edition of the government's official gazette, the Brazilian football legend will be honoured in his homeland and beyond.

Pele won three World Cups with Brazil and scored more than 1,000 goals during his historic career. His 1,000th goal came from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama. O Rei's goal was celebrated so wildly that the crowd rushed onto the pitch to embrace the Brazilian star, forcing the referee to stop the match. His stature was such that he inspired passion wherever he went. 

His gesture was honoured. It will be remembered forever. Born in Tres Corazones, Pele dedicated his historic goal to the "poor children of Brazil".

His story is immense. His talent allowed him to shine at an early age and that's why his figures are so impressive. He scored 643 goals in 665 official games for Santos. It was there that he started kicking, and it's where he became famous. He played 18 seasons for the Paulista (1957-1974).

However, his story wasn't limited to Santos. He went on to play for New York Cosmos in the USA, a pioneering move at the time. It was there that he played his last three seasons. It was such a big deal that the Cosmos went all out to promote him. In his three years in the USA, he made 64 official appearances. He scored 37 goals.

However, it was with the Brazilian national team that Pele really made history, winning three World Cups, something no other player has achieved. He is the only player ever to have achieved such a remarkable feat. He made 105 appearances for Brazil and scored 94 goals. 

The Pelé Law recognises the importance he has had for his country and "for the world", even beyond the strictly sporting level. He has continued to receive recognition since his death in 2022 at the age of 82. His nickname, 'O Rei', has even made it into the Michaelis dictionary, where it is defined as 'someone who is exceptional'.

In 1970, he won the last of his three World Cups as a member of the legendary Brazil 1970 team. An era-defining side that is also considered one of the greatest teams in history.