Pele robbed by gang of armed youths in Brazil
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-23 10:17

RIO DE JANEIRO - Soccer legend Pele was held at gunpoint by a band of youths who robbed his gold necklace, cell phone and a watch, local news media reported Sunday.

The robbery, which took place on June 13 but was not made public until now occurred near Guaruja in the south coast of the San Paulo Sate, the news magazine Veja reported.

Pele was riding in the passenger seat of a car when it was stopped near a slum by at least 10 young men armed with pistols and knives, the report said. Veja said Pele did not report the crime to police.

Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, helped Brazil win three of its five World Cup titles. He was voted in 1999 Athlete of the Century by the world's national Olympic committees.