Stade Pelé

“A football stadium named after a legend?” a young boy asked his father, pointing towards Stade Pelé. “Yes, a true legend,” his father replied, “Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or as the world knew him, Pelé.” Stade Pelé, formerly known as Stade Boutroux, stands as a testament to the beautiful game and the Brazilian icon. Located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, between Porte d’Ivry and Avenue de la Porte de Vitry, this stadium has witnessed its share of transformations. Originally, Stade Boutroux boasted a 600-seat grandstand, along with handball and basketball courts, a long jump track, and even a skatepark. However, with the rising success of its resident club, Paris 13 Atletico (formerly FC Gobelins), renovations began in 2019. The old facilities were replaced with a modern, covered grandstand. In 2022, further upgrades were needed to meet the standards of the French National Championship, the third division, which Paris 13 Atletico had just entered. The capacity was set to 995, including 209 seated places. Then, in March 2023, following Pelé’s passing in December 2022, the stadium received its new name: Stade Pelé. The official inauguration in June 2024, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, solidified its place in football history. Even with its modern upgrades, Stade Pelé faced a hurdle. In 2024, despite Paris 13 Atletico earning their return to the National league, the French Football Federation deemed the stadium unsuitable. Some of the 2022 commitments hadn’t been fully met. However, the city of Paris stepped in, promising to find a solution, ensuring that Stade Pelé, home to Paris 13 Atletico, would continue to resonate with the cheers of fans and the legacy of a football king. You can reach Stade Pelé by taking Metro line 7 or Tram line 3a to Porte d’Ivry.