In the World Cup atmosphere, New York temporarily renamed two streets in honor of Pelé and Thierry Henry before the start of the tournament on Wednesday (10).
The intersection between Shea Road and Meridian Road in the borough of Queens now has a green sign with the name “Pelé Way.” The Brazilian was a player for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977.
In Manhattan, between 50th West Street and Sixth Avenue, several people attended the unveiling of the “Thierry Henry Way” sign.
“Today, New York City pays tribute to one of the greatest players of all time,” Councilwoman Virginia Maloney wrote on Instagram.
Henry, world champion with the French team in 1998, appeared in a video on the councilor’s social network thanking the city and its mayor, Zohran Mamdani, “a true Arsenal fan, as we all know.”
“My family will be very honored,” added the 48-year-old Frenchman, who gained notoriety in the United States after playing for MLS’ New York Red Bulls for five seasons until 2014.
This Saturday (13), the day of Brazil’s debut in this World Cup, Mayor Zohran Mamdani published a video on social media in which he praised Sócrates, Corinthians idol and national team player in the 1982 World Cups, in Spain, and 1986, in Mexico.
“As we wait for Brazil against Morocco, I’ve been thinking lately about Sócrates, not the ancient Greek philosopher, but the maestro of the Brazilian midfield. Sócrates played for both Brazil and the Seleção in the 1970s and 1980s. Including the 1982 World Cup, where he captained the team. They were difficult years in Brazil,” he said.
“A repressive military junta governed the country, imposing its rule by force. At Corinthians, the club he captained, Sócrates and his teammates participated in what ordinary Brazilians dreamed of: democracy,” he added.
Street names will be maintained until November 1st.
