Brazilian football legend, Pele, has died after a long battle with colon cancer, his agent Joe Fraga announced on Thursday.
He was 82.
His daughter Kely Nascimento took to Instagram, also on Thursday, as the news was made public.
“Everything we are is thanks to you,” she wrote. “We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
A post on Pele’s official Instagram page said, “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.”
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered the greatest and most talented football player of all times and global face of football.
He was also seen as the global face of football.
Pele has been named “the greatest” by FIFA and he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century.
He led Brazil to a trio of World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
In the 1958 tournament, he became the youngest ever scorer in a World Cup final, netting twice at the age of 17 years.
He remains Brazil’s leading goal scorer, with 77 goals in 92 games.
However, in recent times he has been struck by a series of ailments.
He had been regularly receiving hospital care since September 2021, when a tumor was removed from his colon.
He was hospitalized in November with multiple ailments, including a respiratory infection and heart and kidney problems.
As news of Pele’s death spread on Thursday afternoon, many international football players took to social media to pay tribute.
“A simple goodbye will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently feeling,” Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese professional footballer, wrote on Twitter.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten,” Kylian Mbappé, who is considered one of the best players in the world, wrote, also on Twitter.
“Everyone who loves football, loves Pele,” a spokesperson for the Football Association of England wrote. “His unique talent lit up the game, and inspired the world.”
Former Real Madrid and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil wrote, “Rest in peace to one of the greatest legends of the game. Your legacy will live forever. I’m sure ‘Heaven FC’ with Maradona and Pele together will be invincible forever.”
Black is king of all sports and in everything. Look at the family feud in de BrokenHam Palace in Britain – First black Royal inside the secrets chamber. Brother got scared for he white wife and put down he foot and say; NO WAY. They didn’t want a king Tutankhamun coming from the black sister now in exile in de US. But she’s like the Queen of Sheba. John saw a vision of the Savior – His hair was white as snow but his feet were as Brass. Brass is Brown, ain’t it?
RIEP Pele GOAT, you will be truely missed.
I thank God Ronaldinho’s skills are still here with us.
I believe he came to Dominica in the 1960’s for an exhibition match. That’s all people talked about was Pele. Large crows went to see him he was loved by everyone. He amazed people with his talent.
Though the iconic football legend and ambassador never set foot in Dominica, he certainly permeated the hearts and minds of a multitude of Dominican sports fans.
Rest In Peace Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the one and only Pele, native son of Brazil and adopted brother of Dominicans and the world!!!
Are you sure about that? Him never setting food on Dominica.
Without an iota of a doubt the GREATEST football player ever. Profound condolences to the family of this gentle giant of a player.