One is a symbol of the power of sport to unite the world, the other is the biggest icon of the planet's most popular game. It was a match made in heaven when Pelé, the ‘King of Football’, welcomed the Olympic flame to his hometown of Santos on Friday (22 July) night. 

The three-time World Cup winner was the host as the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch visited the museum that honours his feats, which include being the all-time top goalscorer (1,279 goals in 1,363 matches according to the Guiness Book of World Records), and being named 'Athlete of the Century' by the International Olympic Committee, who also awarded him with the Olympic Order in June.

“We have to be thankful because not everyone has this opportunity to be involved in an event like this,” said Pelé on Friday night. “So I thank God, and all the team who made this possible. Let’s go forward Brazil.”

The Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay will pass through São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, on Sunday (24 July). It will arrive in Rio de Janeiro on 3 August, ahead of the opening ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium on 5 August. Follow the torch relay here.

Pelé in the museum that honours his career in Santos (Photo: Rio 2016/Andre Luiz Mello)

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