Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pelé, has passed away. He was a forward for the Brazilian national team. He is the only player with three World Cup titles, and he is one of the most prosperous and well-known athletes of the 20th century. FIFA even referred to him as “the greatest of all time.” In 1,363 games, Guinness World Records lists 1,279 goals scored by Pelé.
On December 29, 2022, the world of football was in mourning as Pele passed away at the age of 82 at Sai Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital due to multiple organ failures. He was suffering from colon cancer. He underwent colon tumor removal in September 2021 and has been regularly receiving hospital care. There were speculations about Pelé’s death at the beginning of the month. Then, his own family confirmed that his health conditions were worsening, and Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento shared an emotional photo of her hugging her dad in the hospital days before his death.
Yesterday, the news came out that he had died, and she then posted on Instagram with the message: “We are thankful to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.” Many famous personalities, including football players and former American President Barack Obama, have been expressing their grievances for his loss since then. “A mere goodbye to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing;” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. Neymar wrote, “Thanks to the King! He’s gone, but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!” Messi also expressed his condolences.
