Brazilian legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly called Pelé has passed away at 82 after long battle with cancer.
His death was announced by football journalist, Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, 29 December, 2022.
He wrote: “Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away at 82, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game.
“A man with a god-given talent, one of the names who will remain forever in the memory.
“All thoughts with the family.
“RIP, legend 🕊️”
Lauded by many as the greatest player to ever play football, Pele had been battling health issues in recent years.
He was pictured in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup and was taken into hospital after collapsing due to exhaustion a month after the tournament.
He had been receiving regular treatment from doctors ever since undergoing surgery to have a tumor on his colon removed in September 2021, but had been readmitted to hospital towards the end of 2022.
His condition failed to improve, with Pele remaining in hospital in Sao Paulo throughout the 2022 World Cup and then for Christmas, as his family confirmed.
Two days to his death, in a video posted by Golaut official on YouTube, the Brazilian legend, had faintly bid his family and friends, goodbye.
British businessman and sports manager Frank Khalid in a Twitter post: “Pele says goodbye to family and friends from the hospital bed. Football legend, Pele is slowly losing the battle against cancer, family says ‘his condition is worsening even further’.”
In another video on social media, one of Pele’s former rivals, Romario, had wished the Brazilian football legend well.
Speaking to Ge Globo, Romario said: “King, get better. So much faith. The whole world is looking and praying for you. Improvements! I kiss your heart.”
Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, had been providing regular updates on her father throughout the month with the world learning of his ill health, before his death was confirmed on 29 December.
Pele made his debut for Santos in 1956 in what was the start of a career that would turn the game on its head. The Brazilian forward would revolutionize football with his style of play and rampant goal-scoring over the next 21 years, forging a legacy as one of the most talented players to ever grace a pitch and bringing forward a style that nobody had ever seen before.
17-year-old Pele initially announced himself in spectacular style at the 1958 World Cup, firing Brazil to the trophy with the No.10 on his back while showing off a catalogue of skills that had never been seen before, earning the nickname O Rei (The King) for his exploits.
A hat-trick in the semi-final vs France was followed up by a brace in the final against Sweden, and he returned for Mexico 1962 as undoubtedly the greatest player in the world.
At club level, a mammoth 18-year spell with Brazilian side Santos saw Pele win six Brazilian titles and two Copa Libertadores crowns. He then spent his final two years as a player in the booming NASL with the New York Cosmos, and in the bulk of his years after retirement he worked as an ambassador around the world.
He retired having won three World Cups – and currently remains the only player to do so – and is still Brazil’s top scorer with 77 goals from his 92 caps. Pele reportedly scored over 1200 goals throughout his illustrious playing career, including friendlies and tours of the world, while inspiring the next generation of football with his undeniable talent and flair that was endlessly ahead of its time.
