Three-time World Cup champion and king of Brazilian soccer, Pelé, dies at 82
SAO PAULO (AP, KYMA/KECY) - Filling stadiums and creating a sports spectacle every time he touched the ball, Pelé passed away Thursday, leaving behind the legacy as one of the biggest sports icons ever.
The three-time World Cup champion had been battling colon cancer since September 2021 and was hospitalized on November 29 for doctors to re-evaluate his treatment.
Since hospitalization, his daughter said the former soccer player had had Covid-19 and developed a lung infection.
The hospital released a statement Thursday saying Pelé died due to multiple organ failure caused by progression of colon cancer.
Pelé is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players in history and after winning three World Cups with Brazil, he became a global icon.
A wealthy businessman, the soccer legend also served as a politician and an ambassador for the United Nations.
In the conversation about soccer’s greatest players, only the late Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are mentioned alongside Pelé. Many of them, along with droves of public figures, expressing their gratitude for Pelé via social media Thursday.
One of them being Brazil's latest star, Neymar:
“Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment,” Neymar said on Instagram. “Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!”
Brazil’s president has declared a 3-day national mourning period in honor of Pelé. A funeral is expected to take place early next week, to be carried in his casket through the streets of Santos where his career began.
