Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pele, died at the age of 82. Pele is regarded as one of the greatest players ever. Nicknamed “O Rei” (The King), Pele was in the hospital for a while now and succumbed to multiple organ failure on December 29, 2022.
“Everything that we are, is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.” Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento captioned an image posted on Instagram of family members holding Pele’s hands.
Pele is the only soccer player in history to win three World Cups — 1958 in Sweden, 1962 in Chile, and 1970 in Mexico. “In music, there is Beethoven and the rest. In football, there is Pele and the rest,” the Brazilian famously said in 2000.
The International Olympic Committee named Pele the athlete of the century in 1999. Throughout his career, he scored 1,281 goals in 1363 games for club and country including friendlies and non-official matches. He finished his playing career in North America at the New York Cosmos and retired from soccer in 1977.
Pele was battling colon cancer
Pele had been in increasingly fragile health in the last few years of his life. He had been seen using wheelchairs and walking sticks. In 2021, he was battling kidney problems and it was found that he is suffering from colon cancer. In September 2021, the Brazilian underwent surgery at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo to remove a tumor from his colon. It was followed by chemotherapy.
Pele was readmitted to the hospital in late November 2022 after it was found that he was not responding to chemotherapy. By early December, his health worsened and he was moved to palliative care. Amidst the FIFA World Cup 2022, the soccer world poured in prayers for one of their most adored heroes. Many players including Kylian Mbappe tweeted for the soccer legend.
Brazil legend Pelé has died at the age of 82.
The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up.
He will be missed by millions. pic.twitter.com/sZiiLLmCYF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 29, 2022
A week ago, it was reported that Pele will be spending Christmas in the hospital. According to his daughter, his cancer had progressed and needed care. Just a few days after Christmas, on December 29, 2022, a statement from Albert Einstein Hospital was released stating that Pele passed away from multiple organ failure due to the progression of colon cancer.
Pele’s Twitter account also posted: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Many players including Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar paid their tributes to Pele. The Brazilian soccer legend will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players of the game. Even after his playing career ended, he was a great ambassador of the game and helped the sport reach its heights.