'Inspiration and love marked the journey of Pele': GOAT dies aged 82

In 1,363 career appearances, Pele set a world record for goals scored (1,281).

In recent years, Pele had suffered kidney and prostate issues

At age 82, Pele, arguably the greatest football player in history, passed away. In recent years, Pele had suffered kidney and prostate issues.

Talking about the legend, Pele was selected as FIFA's Player of the Century in 2000. He is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, taking home the trophy in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

Over the course of a 21-year career, he is credited with scoring a world-record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, including 77 goals in 92 international games.

After the tumour was found during routine examinations, Pele underwent surgery to have it removed from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. He was readmitted to the hospital in late November 2022.

His daughter Kely Nascimento often posted updates on social media from the hospital about her father's condition.

She wrote on Thursday's post, which featured a photo of what appeared to be Pele's family members' hands on his body in the hospital: "You are the reason we are everything. We will always love you. Peacefully rest."

Pele's family members posted a striking picture and message on his Instagram page following news of his death. In a statement, they say:

"Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today.

"On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.

"Love, love and love, forever."

Share