O’Rei, aka Pelé, the Brazilian footballer, the man behind the beautiful game has sadly passed away at the age of 82. The iconic sportsman had broken records upon records, including being the only player to have won three World Cup trophies.
The football legend is survived by six children. His daughter Kely Nascimento had shared a photo via her instagram account with the caption, “Everything that we are, is thanks to you. We love you infinitely.”
Pelé had been battling colon cancer since 2021. Albert Einstein Israelita Hospital in Sao Paulo, where he was hospitalized for the last month, announced in a statement that he died due to multiple organ failure as a result of his disease.
The sports world, especially the football players mourned the tragic loss and shared their condolences. Fellow Brazilian star, Neymar said, “Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!”
“The King” secured his first big international win when he was only 17, scoring two goals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Pelé was the youngest player to ever win the tournament.
The funeral was held in Brazil in Pelé’s hometown. His casket was carried through the streets of Santos as thousands of people came to see him one last time.