Brazilian footballer Pele and a three-time World Cup winner who masterminded the “beautiful game,” died at the age of 82.
The death of the legend to win the World Cup three times as a player was confirmed by his daughter Kely Nascimento on Instagram. “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.
Named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999, Pele is the only footballer in history to win three World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Pele Nicknamed “O Rei” (The King), scored more than 1,000 goals in one of the most storied careers in sport, before retiring in 1977.
He had been in increasingly fragile health, battling kidney problems and colon cancer — undergoing surgery for the latter in September 2021, followed by chemotherapy.
A hospital statement on Thursday confirmed the death of “our dear King of Football” at 3.27 pm local time, “due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of cancer of colon associated with his previous clinical condition.”
Brazil’s government declared three days of mourning and the arch at Wembley Stadium was lit in the colors of Brazil.
FIFA Pays Tribute to the Football legend by memorizing his victories and also wishing him goodwill for the next journey.
