Brazil’s legendary footballer Pele dies at the age of 82
Brazilian football legend Pele, who won a record three World Cups has passed away at the age of 82. His agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death.
Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pele 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 country. The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele had been battling cancer for a while and recently, his health condition worsened during the hospital stay to regulate his cancer medication, doctors had announced earlier this week.
His daughter Kely Nascimento posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body in the hospital and wrote, everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely.
Ronaldo, who led Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, described Pelé as “Unique. Genius. Skilled. Creative. Perfect. Unmatched. It is a universal truth, before Pelé soccer was just a sport. He changed everything. He transformed soccer into art and entertainment.
The Brazilian, who led the Selecao to three World Cup titles, was in his final year as a professional footballer when the Indian tour came about. So the football-crazy people of Kolkata lapped up the opportunity and did everything to get a glimpse of the man who they have mostly seen on television or in the pages of sports magazines.
And it was no surprise that about 80,000-odd spectators filled the Eden Gardens to see Pele and his New York Cosmos side that had Brazilian World Cup-winner Carlos Alberto and Italian Giorgio Chinaglia in it.
Football historian Novy Kapadia recounted the incident in his book, Barefoot to Boots He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on forever in each of us football lovers.The magician is no more, but his magic will live on.. Adieu the king of soccer.
