Brazilian football legend Pelé passed away aged 82 at a hospital in São Paulo. Pelé was hospitalized on November 29 with a respiratory infection and for re-evaluation of the chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer in September 2021.
Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento confirmed the news on Instagram, in a post that said: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
In the little Brazilian community of Três Coraçes, where he was born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, he once played football barefoot. He used rolled-up rags instead of a traditional football at first to play with.
Then, at the age of 17, a tiny rural Brazilian youngster from poor beginnings named Pelé made his debut on the international football stage by scoring twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final.
In his 21-year career, which saw him score 1,283 goals, Pelé’s tale rose to the pinnacle of world sports. Pelé, a forward, embodied the legend of becoming a famous character in the sport with his alluring grin. Pelé recognized the ability of sports to unite people rather than becoming politically outspoken like Mohammed Ali. He represented the unifying force of athletics amid the most divisive periods of recent human history in the previous century and was equally admired in the US and the USSR. (https://fleshbot.com/)
Between Martin Luther King Jr. and Barak Obama, Pelé’s tale is captured in images from over a decade, bridging cultures with his instantly recognizable smile and setting the bar for unforgettable football excellence.
The “beautiful game’s” creator, a three-time World Cup champion, passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82. Following battles with colon cancer and renal disease.
Pelé sobs as Brazil defeats Sweden at the 1958 World Cup
When Pelé made his debut during the 1958 World Cup knockout rounds, the excitement for football in Sweden intensified. During the crucial moments that helped Brazil win the World Cup. Pelé went on to become the first international celebrity in the sport.
Pelé’s “beautiful game” was symbolized by his “most recognizable smile” of the 20th century
Pelé’s ‘beautiful game’ was symbolised in his equally recognisable smile that put humility at the forefront of greatness. In this file photo taken on June 13, 1961, Brazilian striker Pelé, wearing his Santos jersey, smiles before playing a friendly soccer match with his club against the French club of ‘Racing’, in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris.
Pelé’s name is inscribed on a Brazilian monument to honor 1958 and 1962 World Cup wins
Pelé was a member of the Brazilian teams who won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962. The monument was erected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s Maracana stadium. In recognition of the nation’s first two World Cup victories.
Pelé in Paris
In this archive shot from the Champs-Elysées in Paris on March 30, 1971, Pelé is surrounded by a sizable throng. To play an exhibition game against a French All-Stars squad in support of cancer research. Pelé was in Paris with his club team, Santos.
Pele preparing to score his 1000th goal
Picture taken on November 19, 1969 shows Pele preparing to score his 1000th goal from the penalty spot against Vasco de Gama at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Pele with his record third World Cup title
June 21, 1970 Brazilian forward Pele smiles as he holds aloft the Jules Rimet Cup after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final in Mexico City. It is his third World Cup win and he still holds the record for being the only player to have three World Cup titles.
