Brasília, 30 December 2022 (GNP/TDI): Pele, perhaps the greatest Football player in history, died at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his family yesterday.
His daughter Kely Nascimento wrote in a statement: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
He died due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition.
A public funeral is going to be held outside Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the Vila Belmiro Stadium. It is where he played for the Santos football team for many years.
Also read: Football stars aligned for Messi’s win- Zlatan Ibrahimović
The casket will pass in front of his 100-year-old mother, Celeste Arantes, residence before being deposited in the center of the field. On Monday and Tuesday of next week, the public will be able to pay their respects there.
Pele’s early life
Pele was born in the southeastern city of Tres Coracoes on October 23, 1940. He grew up on the streets, selling peanuts to support his destitute family. His parents named him after the well-known American inventor Thomas Edison.
However, he was quickly given the nickname “Pele,” after a goalie at Vasco de Sao Lourenço, where his father used to play football.
Pele’s career achievements
Pele wowed audiences from the time he was 15 and began playing professionally for Santos. He embodied the magnificent style of play known as “samba football” in Brazil, where he was designated a “national treasure” for his skill with the ball.
Pele was recognized for his many achievements both on and off the football pitch. He is the only player in history to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970) and was named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999.
Also read: Third FIFA World Cup Championship for Argentina
Before retiring in 1977, he was known as “O Rei” (the King), and he scored over 1,000 goals in one of the most illustrious careers in sports.
Notably, his rule stretched beyond the field, with appearances as a movie star, musician, and sports minister, one of Brazil’s first black cabinet members.