A Sporting and Humanitarian Celebration Honoring Pelé’s Legacy Attended by the International Federation Representative – IFAF
The highly anticipated event taking place on 17 November 2024 will bring together former FC Barcelona stars and legendary Brazilian footballers to celebrate the humanitarian legacy of Pelé—an iconic figure whose impact transcends generations.
The ceremony, attended by Pelé’s daughter Flavia Cristina, and Captain Xavier Savier, the Brazilian representative of both the International Federation for Sports Marketing & Investment and the International Federation of Football Academies (IFAF), was one of the key components in organizing this remarkable event. It was not merely a tribute to “The Athlete of the Century,” but a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting children’s and adolescents’ health and education through collaboration among sports giants from around the world.
Since Pelé began his partnership with the Complexo Pequeno Príncipe in the early 2000s, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to children’s causes. When he scored his historic 1000th career goal, he dedicated the achievement to children, highlighting the importance of their health and education as an essential part of his humanitarian vision.
The Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Institute, named after the Athlete of the Century, is the only institution in the world established in tribute to him. Through this foundation, Pelé supported numerous initiatives focused on child health, including charity events, fundraising campaigns, and support for medical and educational research—efforts that have contributed to improving the lives of children globally.
The recent event that united stars from FC Barcelona and Brazil strengthened this legacy through a major charity match under the slogan:
“Two Teams of Giants for the Same Cause: The Health of Children and Adolescents.”
This collaboration demonstrates how sports can transcend competition, serving instead as a powerful tool to transform the lives of younger generations.
The presence of Captain Xavier Savier, representing the International Federation for Sports Marketing & Investment, added an important international dimension to the event, reflecting the Federation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and community-driven sports initiatives. Meanwhile, the attendance of Pelé’s daughter added profound symbolic value, representing continuity between her father’s legacy and the ongoing efforts to support children’s causes.
This event extended far beyond the sporting field, embodying a long-term commitment to health and education. Since its partnership with Pelé, the Pequeno Príncipe Institute has aimed to improve the well-being of children and adolescents by supporting educational and medical research—efforts carried out by a large number of dedicated doctors and researchers.
What truly distinguishes this event is the spirit of unity between generations of athletes and humanitarian institutions. Pelé—through his legendary achievements—was not just a football player, but a symbol of dedication and service to society. Today, his living legacy continues to inspire new generations to champion humanitarian and social causes.
In conclusion, this celebration was not merely a tribute to Pelé’s memory; it was a reaffirmation that his legacy extends far beyond the pitch, impacting the health and future of children worldwide. It conveyed a powerful message: sports can be a transformative force in society, and Pelé’s legacy will live on through every initiative aimed at improving the lives of future generations.
