The Brazil legend leaves behind one of the game’s greatest legacies.
Pele has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Considered by many the greatest footballer in history, Pele battled with health issues in recent years.
In September 2021, the Brazil great underwent surgery to remove a tumour on his colon. However, at the end of 2022, his condition deteriorated, and he was readmitted to the hospital.
On Thursday, Pele’s family confirmed the football legend had passed away at a hospital in Sao Paulo.
“Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.
A statement from Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital reads: “The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein confirms with regret the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé, today, December 29, 2022, at 3:27 p.m., due to multiple organ failure, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition.
“The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein sympathises with the family and all who suffer from the loss of our dear King of Football.”
Football loses one of its most inspiring figures as Pele leaves behind a remarkable legacy of individual and team honours.
In his 21-year-long career, Pele scored 643 goals in 659 matches.
The Brazil legend remains the only player in history to have won three World Cup trophies. His talismanic presence in Brazil’s attacking line helped the Selecao start a glorious run in the World Cup after their maiden title in 1958.
At the club level, Pele won six Brazilian titles and two Copa Libertadores crowns during his 18-year spell at Santos. He then spent his final two years as a player at New York Cosmos.
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