One of football’s first true icons, a legend who won three World Cups and contributed to football’s international growth has sadly passed away.
Brazilian football star Pele died yesterday at the age of 82 from complications of colon cancer.
A inspiração eo amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
Amor, amor amor, para sempre.
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Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who passed away peacefully today.love, love, love forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
— Pele (@Pele) December 29, 2022
In late November, doctors admitted Pele to Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo with both a respiratory infection and complications from pre-existing colon cancer. The cancer continued to spread, dramatically deteriorating his health. He died Thursday morning after his cancer caused multiple organ failure.
“We are where we are because of you,” said daughter Kelly Nascimento. “We love you endlessly. Rest in peace.”
Many consider Pele the first true football icon. His play shone with his style of fast-paced, smooth dribbling that nearly every player in the modern game studies. The style of play of players like Lionel Messi and Neymar originated from Pele’s style of play.
The forward began his career in 1956 with Brazilian club Santos. He played for this club for nearly 20 years and finally moved in 1975 to the American club He New York He Cosmos. The star retired in 1977 when he scored 767 goals in 831 official games. The record made Pelé the fifth-most goalscorer in history.
Pele is also Brazil’s top scorer with 77 goals in 92 appearances. Neymar has just tied with him in December this year.
Pele began his career in Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, becoming the youngest player in the history of the tournament at age 17. Brazil won the World Cup and his 1962 tournament. Pele won his third and final competition in 1970, capping off his prestigious career as the only player to win the World Cup three times.
Pele’s burial will take place next week in Santos. His coffin is carried through the streets of the town before the legend is finally buried.