FIFA president Gianni Infantino has unveiled his first ‘Pele’ stadium in Rwanda – and even got to play a match against the country’s president.
Infantino previously revealed that FIFA would ask every country in the world to name a stadium after the legendary Brazilian footballer.
He revealed the bizarre request after Pele died at the age of 82 back on December 29 last year.
The Pele Stadium was officially opened by Rwanda president Paul Pagame and Infantino in honour of the Brazilian icon on Wednesday.
After the unveiling the two men took to the pitch as part of the 73rd FIFA Congress Delegation Tournament.
Infantino in an all-blue strip faced a team led by the Rwanda president, in a tournament which is said to feature football legends and FIFA officials.
The Times have also revealed that a stadium has been named after Pele in the Cape Verde islands.
Speaking as Pele’s funeral began in Santos in January, Infantino said: ‘We are going to ask that all countries in the world have at least one stadium with the name of Pele.’
Infantino continued that the reason behind this idea would be ‘so that children know Pele’s importance’.
