The iconic Brazilian football player Pele, who rose from barefoot squalor to become one of the finest and most well-known athletes in contemporary history, passed away at the age of 82.
Pele passed away at 3:27 PM (18:27 GMT) on Thursday, according to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, where he was receiving treatment. He said, “due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition.”
On his Instagram account, the lone player to win the World Cup three times was reported to have passed away.
“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today,” the post read.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his ring name Pele, was a man of many talents who made a name for himself both on and off the football pitch.
The tribute post on Pele’s social media website emphasized the star’s global popularity and made reference to an instance from the Nigerian civil war in which rival factions agreed to a ceasefire so that they could attend a game Pele played there.
“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,” it read.
At the Vila Belmiro Stadium, outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he spent a significant amount of time playing for the Santos football team, a public funeral is scheduled.
Before being buried in the middle of the field, the coffin is scheduled to pass in front of the home of his mother, Celeste Arantes, who is 100 years old.
On Monday and Tuesday of next week, the public may pay their respects there.
To read our blog on “Pakistan advances to the 2022 Street Child Football World Cup quarterfinals,” click here.
