Known as Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) has died at the age of 82.
The Global Football Icon died at the Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo on Thursday, December 29, 2022.
The Former Santos legend had been suffering from Kidney and prostate problems in recent years. In September 2021, he had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo but was readmitted to hospital in late November this year.
While in hospital, Pele’s health continues to deteriorate – his daughter Kely Nascimento kept fans updated on her father’s condition with regular social media updates.
On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body in hospital and wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to u. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace”.
The hospital confirmed that Pele died ” due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition”.
His Twitter account posted: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever”,
The Brazilian Football Confederation said: ” Pele was much more than the greatest Sportsman of all time.
“The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy. Thank you, Pele”.
The young teenager wrote his name in the global football scene in the 1958 FIFA World Cup at the age of 17 – helping Brazil to win their first World Cup title.
The young teenager will grow up to become the first recognised global superstar – helping Brazil win three World Cup titles- and the only footballer to win the World Cup three times in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – scoring 12 World Cup goals in 14 games.
He played a total of 1,364 career games, scoring 1,281 goals in a 21-year career, including 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances.
In the year 2000, Pele was named FIFA’s player of the century,
The Great Pele will always remind in the hearts of the Global Football Community – Wherever football is played, the name of Pele will be synonymous with it.
