In a captivating display of cross-cultural homage, Bad Bunny transformed a concert in São Paulo into a monumental tribute to one of soccer's most illustrious legends. During his maiden performances in Brazil, the Puerto Rican superstar donned a historic jacket once worn by Pelé during the 1966 World Cup, borrowed from the revered Alambrado Futebol e Cultura memorabilia store. The store's proprietor, Cássio Brandão, houses an extensive collection of over 7,000 soccer artifacts, including 115 items that once belonged to the iconic Pelé.
Brandão recounted that the global star treated the jacket with utmost respect, returning it damp with "sweat" but otherwise "perfect." The team even returned it in the same suitcase and condition it left in, as reported by ESPN.
Bad Bunny further honored Pelé by tweaking his song lyrics during the show. In his track "Monaco," he rapped about "scoring a goal after Pelé and Maradona," replacing the usual references to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The Brazilian crowd went wild with cheers upon hearing this line.
Pelé's official Instagram page expressed gratitude to the artist for the tribute, stating that when someone like Bad Bunny honors "the King on Brazilian soil," it proves that "the crown is still shining." Cássio Brandão added that such moments can spark curiosity among younger fans and inspire them to learn more about Pelé's legendary legacy.
Though Pelé passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, his legacy continues to tower over the sport. He remains the only player to have won three men's World Cups, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He amassed over 1,000 goals in his career and became an iconic figure of Brazilian football worldwide.
On the other side of the spotlight, Bad Bunny has solidified himself as a global music powerhouse. The Grammy winner has dominated international charts, filled stadiums, and introduced Latin music to a vast new audience.
