SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.

The standard-bearer of “the beautiful game” had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. He had been hospitalized for the last month with multiple ailments.

His agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death.

Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team.

His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans. He orchestrated a fast, fluid style that revolutionized the sport — a samba-like flair that personified his country’s elegance on the field.

He carried Brazil to soccer’s heights and became a global ambassador for his sport in a journey that began on the streets of Sao Paulo state, where he would kick a sock stuffed with newspapers or rags.

In the conversation about soccer’s greatest players, only the late Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are mentioned alongside Pelé.

Different sources, counting different sets of games, list Pelé’s goal totals anywhere between 650 (league matches) and 1,281 (all senior matches, some against low-level competition.)

[apnews.com]

Sad news....

LEGEND


RIP Pelé

_____________________________________________________________
Rip this joint, gonna save your soul, round and round and round we go......

Sad, sad, sad.

RIP the most legendary and greatest footballer of all time.

- Doxa

So sad. RIP Pele. The whole world will miss you.

Just seen the sad news on BBC TV here in UK.

A real legend indeed.

I was little more than a child when I watched the World Cup final in Mexico 1970, at the time it was called the Rimet Cup, and despite being a fan of Italy, I couldn't help but be amazed by seeing Brazil and their acrobatic game. RIP Pele, the greatest player of all time

RIP. The best!

"Pele was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic". - Johan Cruijff. †

RIP Pelé. †

RIP. I got to see him play in the 70s. 1 of the greatest athletes ever.

I loved that movie he was in called Victory from the early 80s.

RIP Pele.

Wasn't looking too good, but I was feeling real well.

Rest in peace, Pelé - "Player of the Century" (by FIFA).

"The king is gone..." (etc etc).

My Dad saw him play in Europe around 1962 and he still talks about that day with stars in his eyes!

RIP Pelé.

Dear Pelé, I will miss him









Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022-12-29 23:10 by rogerriffin.

God took our King close to Him. May he rest in peace.
Thank you very much for everything. The great moments as a fan, as an opponent at the beginning of my career,
and the happiness of playing together for a few minutes.
How much I learned as a player, athlete, and professional.
You are eternal.
May God comfort his family and friends.

Zico

This sad moment has arrived!

Rest in peace, Pelé

Pele's was the only autograph I was ever given for myself. I was 10 years old. December 1970 - Hong Kong Vs Santos during Santos's Asia tour. Santos won 4 - 1. I remember him being really patient and indulging all us waiting gang of kids......



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022-12-30 06:42 by EddieByword.

Very sad news indeed. For some reason December often brings a lot of bad news.

Pele was truly the GOAT. You can talk about Messi and others, but Pele was THE KING!!


plexi

RIP!

Pele
For sure The Greatest
Rest in Peace

Rest in peace O Rei Pelé!