Soccer Great Pelé Has Died
Soccer Great Pelé Has Died SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports…
SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 07: Former Brazilian national footballer Pele attends a photocall at Sheffield United FC’s Bramhall Lane stadium on November 7, 2007 in Sheffield, England. Pele (full name Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) is in the UK to attend a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of Sheffield United FC, the world’s oldest football club, and its new links with Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC. Pele (full name Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) is in the UK to attend celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC (currently in the Unibond Northern Premier League Division One South) and to promote the amateur clubs new links with Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC. Pele will also attend a special friendly match organised as part of the amateur clubs anniversary celebrations between Sheffield FC and Inter Primavera at Sheffield Uniteds Bramhall Lane stadium on November 8, 2007. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Soccer Great Pelé Has Died
SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.
The standard-bearer of “the beautiful game” had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. The medical center where he had been hospitalized for the last month said he died of multiple organ failure as a result of the cancer.
“All that we are is thanks to you,” his daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram. “We love you endlessly. Rest in peace.”
His agent, Joe Fraga, confirmed his death: “The king has passed.”
Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team.
His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans. He orchestrated a fast, fluid style that revolutionized the sport — a samba-like flair that personified his country’s elegance on the field. He carried Brazil to soccer’s heights and became a global ambassador for his sport in a journey that began on the streets of Sao Paulo state, where he would kick a sock stuffed with newspapers or rags.
Check out some of his historic moments in the pictures below. Read the full story here.
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Pele
Brazilian footballer Pele in training for Brazil's match against England. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
World Cup 1958
Brazilian forwards Vava and Pele (number 10) enter a melee in front of the French goal during the the World Cup semi-final at the Rasunda Stadion in Solna, Stockholm, 24th June 1958. Brazil beat France 5-2. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pele
31 Oct 2000: Pele during an AXA photocall at Wembley in London. Mandatory Credit: Clive Mason /Allsport
The Greatest
7th May 1963: Star of the Brazilian football team, Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) sits on the ball during a break in training at Selsdon Park Hotel where they are staying. The Brazilians are to play England at Wembley. (Photo by John Pratt/Keystone/Getty Images)
Pele Attends Ceremony For World's Oldest Football Club
SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 07: Former Brazilian national footballer Pele attends a photocall at Sheffield United FC's Bramhall Lane stadium on November 7, 2007 in Sheffield, England. Pele (full name Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) is in the UK to attend a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of Sheffield United FC, the world's oldest football club, and its new links with Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC. Pele (full name Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) is in the UK to attend celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC (currently in the Unibond Northern Premier League Division One South) and to promote the amateur clubs new links with Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC. Pele will also attend a special friendly match organised as part of the amateur clubs anniversary celebrations between Sheffield FC and Inter Primavera at Sheffield Uniteds Bramhall Lane stadium on November 8, 2007. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Pele
24th April 1963: Brazilian World Cup star Pele, said by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, during a training session. (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images)
Brazil v South Korea: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was rotated from its original perspective.) Brazil fans hold a banner showing support for former Brazil player Pele during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Brazil and South Korea at Stadium 974 on December 05, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Pele Knows Best
George Best presents Pele with a plaque commemorating the Brazilian as the best soccer player in the world during Pele Appreciation Day at Rose Bowl stadium in Pasedena, California, 9th April 1978. A friendly match was played between the Aztecs and Cosmos to mark the occasion. (Photo by Getty Images)
Pele Defeated
July 1966: Despite his disappointment Brazilian football star Pele congratulates the Portugal team after they beat Brazil 3-1 in the 1966 World Cup. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)
Legendary Pele and World-Renowned New York Cosmos Score a Comeback
NEW YORK - AUGUST 01: Soccer Legend Pele announces the return of the World Renowned New York Cosmos at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on August 1, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for the New York Cosmos)
