Brazilian football icon Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday after battling cancer. Renowned as one of the greatest footballers in history, Pele achieved legendary status with his remarkable talent and accomplishments, including winning the World Cup three times. Throughout his illustrious two-decade-long career, Pele netted an astonishing record of 1,281 goals, solidifying his place as a footballing icon.
Facing health challenges in recent times, Pele underwent treatment for colon cancer in 2021 and had been experiencing deteriorating health since October of this year. He was hospitalized for the past month due to various ailments. Pele’s agent, Joe Fraga, confirmed his passing at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein hospital on Thursday, December 29, at 11:57 pm local time (3:27 pm Brazil time).
Affectionately known as “the Black Pearl” and “the King,” Pele’s legacy extends far beyond his numerous accolades. His remarkable achievements include winning the World Cup in 1958, 1962, and 1970, making him one of the most celebrated figures in football history. Notably, Pele holds the distinction of being one of only three players to score in four different World Cup tournaments, further cementing his status as a footballing icon.