Famed Italian sculptor Dante Mortet said the late, great Brazilian soccer legend Pelé was somewhat taken a back when he learned Mortet wanted to do a work that not only featured his famous feet but also his hands.
He quickly used his famous sense of humor to bring levity to the situation.
When he asked Pelé for his hands, the legend joked, “No, I’m married,” Mortet said in a promotional video for his work.
The sculpture will be unveiled for the first time on June 10 at American Dream, during a networking event promoting the benefits of the world’s biggest sporting event to New Jersey small businesses.
Watch a video of Mortet about the sculpture here.
Countdown to the World Cup 2026, sponsored by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by Evolvere, is an effort to help local businesses understand how they can benefit from the World Cup, which is expected to bring an economic boost of $3 billion to the area.
Tickets for the event, which runs from 6-10, can be purchased here. The first Countdown to the World Cup, in 2024, sold out. Organizers are expecting a similar outcome.
The sculpture, created through support from BCB Bank, is a bonus for the event, which will be held at the GameRoom.
It also will be the first stop on a mini-New Jersey tour.
Additional stops include:
June 11: The Iron Peak in Hillsborough (from 6-8 p.m.)
June 12: Canopy Hotel in Jersey City (6-8 p.m.)
Organizers are hoping to add a stop in Paterson on June 13.
Gus Penaranda, the founder and CEO Evolvere, a consulting group that aims to advance the interests of LGBTQ+ and ally businesses, said adding the sculpture to Countdown to the World Cup was a natural fit.
“Our aim is to show that the World Cup is more than just an athletic event; it is a month-long festival that blends art, culture and commerce,” he said.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup, being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will open on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and run through July 19, when the final will be held at MetLife Stadium.
The event is expected to have an economic impact of more than $2 billion in the metropolitan area.
Countdown to the World Cup is part of a continuing effort by the Hispanic Chamber and Evolvere, juego.juegos and the N.J. Diverse Business Council to show small business can take advantage of the event.
The group recently released an updated version of its World Cup reference guide.
For more information, come to the event
