Against World Cup backdrop, Brazil inaugurates Pele Museum to honor football great

Soccer great Pele pose for photos during the inauguration of the Pele Museum showing his history as a player in Santos, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. The Pele Museum exhibits his personal collection, pictures, films, trophies and printed material about his history as a soccer player and personality. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine) (The Associated Press)

Former great, Pele does a high five with young players of the Santos team during the inauguration of the Pele Museum in Santos, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. The Pele Museum exhibits his personal collection, pictures, films, trophies and printed material about his history as a soccer player and personality. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine) (The Associated Press)

SANTOS, Brazil – The city where Pele rose to fame is honoring its favorite son as Brazil celebrates hosting the World Cup.

The port city of Santos inaugurated the Pele Museum Sunday, with hundreds of dignitaries on hand to toast the Brazilian football great.

The 73-year-old Pele rode in on a tram to wild applause. Visibly emotional, he said the museum was a "dream" and he was proud to represent the city.

Considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever, Pele rose to stardom at Santos FC, where he played between 1956 and 1974. During that period he also led Brazil to three World Cup titles.

The museum houses more than 2,500 items related to Pele's career, including trophies, jerseys and images of him with world leaders and celebrities.