Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more commonly referred to as Pelé, has passed away at the age of 82. Pele had been battling cancer for some time, and his health condition recently worsened while he was in the hospital to regulate his cancer medication.
Joe Fraga, his agent, confirmed his passing.
Pelé spent nearly two decades as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team. He is widely considered to be one of the best players in soccer.
Pele had been battling cancer for some time, and doctors said earlier this week that his health got worse while he was in the hospital to control his cancer medication.
According to a statement released by the hospital, he passed away at 3.27 p.m. Brazilian time due to multiple organ failure brought on by his colon cancer.
Following the announcement of Pele’s passing, Gary Lineker was among those who praised his legacy.
On Twitter, he stated: the most divine and joyful of footballers.
“He played a game that only a select few have even come close to playing.”
Sir Geoff Hurst, the England World Cup winner, said that Pele “remains the greatest of all time.”
He stated: Pele, without a doubt the best footballer I ever played against (Bobby Moore was the best footballer I ever played with), has left me with so many fond memories.
“It made me happy to be on the field with Pele, who is still my favorite player of all time. Thank you, Pele, and RIP.”
Pele’s part in Brazil’s third victory in Mexico in 1970 has become part of football legend because he was a key player on arguably the greatest international team ever.
Santos claims that he scored closer to 1,000 goals during his glittering 20-year career, which spanned 831 games from 1957 to 1977. He scored 757 goals in those games.
Following his passing, the icon’s official Instagram post stated that he “enchanted the world.”
“Motivation and love denoted the excursion of Ruler Pelé, who calmly died today.
“Edson enchanted the world with his athletic genius, halted a war, carried out social works all over the world, and disseminated what he most believed to be the solution to all of our problems while on his journey: love.
“For future generations, his message today becomes a legacy.
“Forever, love, love, love.”