His agent confirmed Brazilian soccer star Pele has passed away at the age of 82.
The former Santos FC star, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, went to Israelite Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo since November 29.
A medical report just before Christmas indicated he needed care for heart and kidney dysfunctionHas been battling colon cancer since September 2021.
His daughter Kelly Nascimento paid tribute to her father on Instagram: “We thank you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
The world shares its tributes to football icon Pele – live updates
Pele – originally Edson Arantes do Nascimento – started playing for Santos at the age of 15 and the Brazilian national team a year later, burst onto the scene at the age of 17 in the 1958 World Cup.
During his international career, he won three World Cups – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – being the only player to do so.
He died on Thursday at 3:27 p.m. Brazil time from multiple organ failure due to colon cancer, the hospital said in a statement.
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Sky’s Tom Parmenter narrates Pele .’s life and career
Pele celebrates after scoring at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico
Gary Lineker was among those who praised Pele’s legacy following the news of his death.
He wrote on Twitter: “The most divine of footballers and the joy of men.
“He played a game that only a select few would come close to.”
World Cup-winning England team Sir Geoff Hurst says Pele “remains the greatest of all time”.
He said: “I have so many memories of Pele who was, without a doubt, the best footballer I’ve ever faced (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I’ve ever played with).
“For me, Pele is still the greatest of all time and I am proud to stand on the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.”
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Pele left ‘gaps’
Lionel Messi, another footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, shared his own simple thought: “Rest in peace”.
Pele’s role in Brazil’s third win, at Mexico in 1970, has entered football folklore, as he played a key role in arguably the greatest international team ever. far of this sport.
His brilliant 20-year career from 1957 to 1977 saw him score 757 goals in 831 games, although Santos insists his number is closer to 1,000.
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A post on Pele’s official Instagram account after his death said the icon “has enchanted the world”.
“Inspiration and love have marked the journey of King Pelé, who passed away peacefully today.
“On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his sporting genius, stopped wars, carried out social activism around the world, and spread what he believed most to be the cure for all our problems: love.
“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
“Love, love and love, forever.”
Why Pele is the greatest soccer player of all time
How many hours have been spent arguing, analyzing and disagreeing about who is the greatest football player of all time?
Without a doubt, Pele tops many lists.
No other man has three World Cup titles on his CV – even if he was injured and sidelined most of Brazil’s victory in 1962. Lionel Messi has won a World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has more goals than Pele, Maradona is probably the better dribbler.
Then there’s Di Stefano, Puskas, Cruyff, Bobby Charlton, George Best – a list of candidates that evoke some special memories.
Brazilian team-mate Marta has a similar status in women’s football – she’s the first footballer of any gender to score at five World Cups.
However, greatness is not only measured by playing stats.
Pele has shaped a nation and introduced Brazilian football to the world.
In 1967, he and his team were in Nigeria, where the West African nation’s civil war was literally halted for 48 hours so everyone could watch the great man compete.
That is a sign of greatness.
It’s not just goals but the power to change the way people feel – about themselves, their team, their country and the game they love. The game Pele was born to play.
