**Pele’s Former Mansion, Now Overrun by Nature and Vandalism, Draws Global Attention**
Once an opulent sanctuary on the sands of Pernambuco Beach, the former mansion of legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé has now succumbed to nature and neglect, capturing the attention of fans and social media audiences across the world. Recent footage posted online has reignited discussion over the neglected state of the property, as well as concerns about its legal status and future.
Pelé, a beloved figure in international football, rose to global stardom during the 1958 World Cup at just 17 years old, and eventually would claim a total of three world titles with Brazil. After a celebrated career at Santos and a spell with New York Cosmos, the football icon transitioned into life as a global ambassador, supporting numerous charitable and sporting endeavours. Yet, the gleam of his public life stands in sharp contrast to the current condition of the residence once owned by him.
Following Pelé’s passing in December 2022 at the age of 82 — after a prolonged struggle with colon cancer — discussions about his legacy reignited, not only on the pitch but within his personal affairs. The late star’s seaside home in Guaruja, reportedly worth millions and offering amenities such as a football pitch, swimming pool, tennis court and an extensive bar area, has now fallen victim to neglect and, more recently, the intrusion of content creators.
In 2024, an internet personality named Lucas Wesley and two associates accessed the property and subsequently shared a revealing 90-minute tour of the mansion on social media. According to Wesley, entry was gained after noticing a loosely shut garage door. The footage, which has amassed millions of views, unveiled a dramatically altered estate: overgrown gardens, algae-filled swimming pool, scattered memorabilia and walls bearing the scars of vandalism.
Wesley reflected on the experience as deeply poignant for any admirer of Pelé. “Getting to know this place and seeing up close everything that once belonged to Pelé is indescribable. For us fans, it leaves a truly sad feeling,” he said, expressing grief over the decay and damage left unchecked inside the home. Amongst the remnants were family photographs, books, posters and other personal effects once enjoyed by the football legend.
Despite the video’s popularity and outpouring of fan emotion, the incident has also raised questions about privacy and legal rights. According to Augusto Miglioli, the legal representative for Pelé’s son Edinho, the property has not been formally abandoned, but is rather part of an inheritance process. Miglioli further cautioned the individuals who entered the mansion, warning that civil and criminal consequences may apply for unauthorised entry.
Legal opinions consulted in the aftermath highlight the complexity of property law in such situations. Lawyer Thyago Garcia clarified that simply being uninhabited or falling into disrepair does not automatically render a property legally abandoned. Garcia explained, “The mere deterioration, lack of maintenance or being unoccupied for an extended time does not suffice to describe it as legally abandoned. Possession and ownership are protected by law regardless of the property’s condition.”
The sorry state of the mansion, now marked by rusted gates, thick undergrowth and rooms littered with remnants of Pelé’s life, presents a stark contrast to its previous use. The villa was once lively, hosting gatherings of friends, family and international celebrities, serving as a backdrop to celebratory moments in the star’s illustrious life.
The story has ignited broader discussion on social media, with fans expressing sorrow and nostalgia, while others debate the ethical and legal boundaries of entering and sharing images of private properties in disrepair. As legal procedures continue regarding the estate, the fate of Pelé’s former home remains uncertain. For many, it stands as a poignant, physical reminder of both the footballer’s immense legacy and the sometimes stark realities left behind when legends pass on.