It is such heartbreaking news for all football enthusiasts. Pelé, a Brazilian footballer passed away at the age of 82. The hospital confirmed that the football legend passed away due to organ failure. He had been suffering from kidney and prostate problems and colon cancer in recent years.
In September 2021, Pelé had surgery to remove the tumor in his colon. Later in November this year, he was readmitted to the hospital. His daughter, Kelly, always kept his father’s fans informed about her father’s condition.
Picture: Sky News
Pelé is no stranger to football enthusiasts. When we talk about football, his name will appear. He had played in the biggest football tournament in the world, the FIFA World Cup four times. He also recorded history to be the only football player to win three World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Not only that, FIFA named him the Player of the Century in 2000.
Throughout his career of 21 years in being a professional footballer, Pelé scored 1,281 goals in thousands of appearances. That total includes his achievement in scoring goals for his country — 77 goals in 91 matches.
Tributes to the football legend can be seen all over social media, including from Pelé first club, Santos FC and others.
Obrigado, Rei Pelé. pic.twitter.com/2Xb7XElR41
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) December 29, 2022
Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him. pic.twitter.com/urGRDePaPv
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace, Pele.
Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ypo6NGxdqS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2022
Sources: BBC News, CNN News, @SantosFC, @BarackObama, @MAnUtd (Twitter)
