TheCable

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Brazilian soccer great popularly known as Pele, has received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a post on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the football legend described the moment as “unforgettable” while urging people not to let down their guard against the deadly virus.

The 80-year-old, who forms part of the population considered at high risk of coronavirus complications, could be seen wearing a mask and giving a thumbs-up while he received his shot.

“Today is an unforgettable day — I received the vaccine! The pandemic is not over yet. We must keep discipline to preserve lives until many people have taken the vaccine,” Pele wrote.

“Please continue to wash your hands and stay home if possible. When you go out please don’t forget your mask and maintain social distance. This will pass if we can think of others and help each other.”

Brazil has already administered more than 8.47 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pele has self-isolated at his house in Sao Paulo since the pandemic, which has left nearly 260,000 dead in Brazil, where vaccination has been slow.

Last week was the country’s deadliest since the beginning of the pandemic, with 8,244 confirmed virus-related deaths.

The football legend’s public appearances have been more limited in recent years due to deteriorating health.

Pele is regarded as the greatest football player of all time. He is the only player to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).