Pele will not attend Friday's opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics because of poor health, denying Brazilians a chance to celebrate their greatest sports figure.
The 75-year-old soccer great said this week he had been invited to light the cauldron, though that was not confirmed by Rio organizers.
"I'm not physically able to attend the opening of the Olympics," Pele said in a statement on Friday.
Pele had hip surgery recently and often walks with a cane. His absence - in any role - will be a huge disappointment to fans and organizers. He is easily Brazil's most recognizable athlete - or former athlete - though he stopped playing almost 40 years ago.
"Only God is more important than my health," he wrote. "In my life I've had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And I've always respected those who admire me."
