By Prior Beharry
ARGUABLY the greatest footballer of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, has passed away.
The Brazil legend died at the age of 82 after ailing for some time with kidney and prostate problems. In September 2021 he had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after it was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.
He is the only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times with victories in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He was 17 years in his first victory in 1958 in Sweden.
Pele was named FIFA’s Player of the Century in 2000.
He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his Brazil. His goals for his country have been equalled during the recently held World Cup in Qatar by his compatriot Neymar.
His daughter Kely Nascimento has kept fans updated on her father’s condition on social media.
Kely and Pele’s agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death.
Pele’s Twitter account posted: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
The Brazilian Football Confederation stated, “Pele was much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time. Our king of football was the greatest exponent of a victorious Brazil, who was never afraid when faced with difficulty. He promised his father a World Cup and he presented us with three.
“The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy. Thank you, Pele.”
