Football fans worldwide mourn the death of the legendary player, Pelé , who won a record three World Cups during his career. The 82-year-old Brazilian player was (and is still) the world standard for “the beautiful game,” and he lived a good life.
Unfortunately, the final years of his life weren’t pleasant, as he suffered colon cancer in 2021 and frequented the hospital until death. According to sources, Pelé was hospitalized in the last month before dying, as confirmed by his agent, Joe Fraga.
RELATED STORIES
Pelé Did It First
Pelé played for the Brazilian national team and won three FIFA World Cups. He also played at the club level with Santos FC in Brazil. The Sao Paulo player attained worldwide fame for his mastery of the sport such that only the late Argentine player, Diego Maradona rivaled his fame and talent.
At the height of his career, Pelé scored 650 goals at the league level and even more when you add his games against low-level teams.
Winning Three Consecutive World Cups
Born in 1940, Pelé debuted at the 1958 World Cup at 17, making him the youngest player to enter the FIFA tournament. He didn’t just appear on the team but contributed two goals to Brazil’s 5-2 win against Sweden – a feat indeed!
For the next four years (the World Cup holds every four years), Pelé played two games with Brazil, yet the country retained its title. Pelé hit the trifecta at 25 when Brazil won against Italy in the 1970 tournament hosted by Mexico.
Worldwide Impact And Influence
The 1970 Game cemented Pelé as the King of Football thanks to his final goal and the beautiful pass to Carlos Alberto, setting the latter for the winning goal. Many players wear the Number 10 jersey, but Pelé remains the standard for that number.
Former President Barack Obama highlighted Pelé’s influence by reminiscing on the legend’s fight for justice. In 1967, the Nigerian Civil War came to a truce to watch Pelé play an exhibition match, and thirty years later, the late Queen Elizabeth II knighted him.
The King’s Legacy
Pelé was a gracious individual. Despite racists in his country throwing slurs at him during games, he never reacted. After he retired from football, the legend ventured into politics for a bit as the Extraordinary Brazilian Minister for Sport, and a United Nations and its subsidiary, UNESCO’s Ambassador.
Everywhere on social media, football fans mourn the loss of the king. See what people are saying on Twitter .
