Pele, Brazil’s football legend, the greatest footballer ever arguably, has died, ages 82.
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| Brazil football legend, Pele. Photo: @pele |
The Brazil football icon has the credit for scoring a world record of 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a career which lasted for 21 years, including 77 goals for his country in 92 encounters.
He remains the only player to lift the World Cup trophy three times in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and bagged the FIFA Player Of The Year award in 2000.
In recent years, Pele has been battling kidney and prostate problems, and had a tumour removed from his colon through surgery in September 2021.
He was readmitted to hospital in late November, 2022 after the tumour was detected in routine tests.
It was confirmed on Pele’s official Instagram account that, he “peacefully passed away today”.
On Pele official Instagram account: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
“Love, love and love, forever.”
