BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor. Shea Road & Meridan Way Flushing NY June 10th 2026
As New York prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry hosted a street co-naming ceremony on Wednesday, June 10 honoring global soccer legend Pelé, one of the most influential athletes in sports history.
The ceremony officially unveiled “Pelé Way” in Council District 21 and served as the kickoff to a week of celebrations recognizing the cultural, economic, and community impact of the world’s game in the World’s Borough.
The event featured community leaders, soccer advocates, and elected officials.
The Pelé Way co-naming is part of a broader effort to celebrate the sport’s legacy while showcasing Queens as a destination for World Cup visitors.
With the tournament projected to generate $3.3 billion in economic activity and attract 1.2 million visitors, local leaders hope the celebration will encourage fans to explore Queens, support local businesses, and further cement the borough’s role as a gateway for the world’s game.
“The world’s game belongs in the World’s Borough,” said Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry. “As New York prepares to welcome visitors from across the globe, it is only fitting that we honor one of soccer’s greatest icons.
Pelé’s legacy transcends the sport, bringing people together across cultures and generations. ‘Pelé Way’ celebrates that legacy and the diversity, community, and opportunity that define Queens.”
In collaboration with Council Member Virginia Maloney, who hosted a separate co-naming ceremony honoring soccer icon Thierry Henry at Rockefeller Center, the events celebrate two global legends whose impact continues to shape the sport and inspire communities around the world.
“Soccer is more than just a sport. It has the power to unite people across cultures, languages, and generations,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney.
“Pelé and Thierry Henry are titans of the game who have shaped not only the history of the sport but the cultures and communities it touches.
As fans from every corner of the globe come to our doorstep for the FIFA World Cup, co-naming these streets in their honor ensures every New Yorker feels that excitement in their own neighborhoods and on their own streets.”
“As New York City prepares to welcome the world for the World Cup, it is fitting that we honor one of the greatest athletes and global ambassadors the sport has ever known,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Pelé’s impact transcended soccer.
He inspired generations, brought people together across borders and cultures, and helped make the beautiful game a truly global phenomenon. I thank Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry for her leadership in bringing this tribute to Queens, and for helping showcase the World’s Borough as a place where the world comes together.”
With the World Cup bringing unprecedented excitement to The World’s Borough, its only right that Queens gets into the soccer spirit by honoring one of the beautiful game’s greatest pioneers,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
“Generations of Queens’s residents love this sport because of Pelé, and we hope his legacy of success on the pitch and his philanthropy off the pitch continues to inspire as we all gather to watch the World Cup over the next month.”
“New York City has a rich soccer history, from generations of fans and communities who have built the game here to legendary figures like Pelé, who helped make this city part of soccer’s global story,” said Jennifer O’Sullivan, New York City FC COO.
“As our city prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, it is fitting that the World’s Borough honors one of the greatest players the sport has ever known.
With Etihad Park opening next year as New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, Pelé Way connects that remarkable legacy to an exciting new chapter for soccer in Queens.”
Pelé, a three-time FIFA World Cup champion with Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, he served as a global ambassador for the sport and a symbol of soccer’s power to connect people across cultures and generations.
About Pelé : Pelé is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of soccer. A three-time FIFA World Cup champion with Brazil and former player of the New York Cosmos, he helped elevate the sport to a global stage and became a symbol of excellence, sportsmanship, and international unity.
Through his achievements on and off the field, Pelé inspired generations and demonstrated the power of soccer to connect people across cultures, languages, and borders.
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