Overview
- The monument, which was unveiled Thursday, stands in Plaza Brasil facing Estadio Jalisco and is open for visitors to view and photograph.
- The bronze figure by Mexican sculptor Alejandro Velasco measures about 9.5–10 meters tall, weighs roughly two tonnes, and sits on a base modeled after the Jules Rimet trophy.
- The plaza was rehabilitated by the Secretaría de Infraestructura y Obra Pública with a 4.2 million peso investment that added paved walkways, lighting, signage, seating and landscaping.
- Officials named the piece 'La Canarinha' because commercial rights to Pelé’s name are held by a third party, and the government invited Neymar to the unveiling but he did not attend.
- State and city leaders framed the installation as part of Guadalajara’s World Cup legacy plan, citing the city’s 1970 and 1986 ties to Brazil and saying the work aims to draw fans and strengthen public gathering space during the 2026 tournament.