Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has died on Thursday Dec. 29 in São Paulo after a battle with colon cancer. He was 82.
Pele during an AXA photocall at Wembley in London on Oct. 31, 2000. Photo via Clive Mason /Allsport
Pelé, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, led Brazil to win the World Cup three times in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Brazilian striker Pelé, wearing his Santos jersey, smiles before playing a friendly soccer match with his club against the French club of “Racing”, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)
During his 21 year career, he scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, making him the top scorer in the history of professional soccer.
Brazilian footballer Pele playing for Brazil, circa 1958. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)Brazilian football legend Pele poses in during a visit at stadium Vila Belmiro on May 17, 2014 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Getty Images)
A national hero in Brazil and beloved around the world, Pelé – who was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento – was also a global ambassador for soccer and its values.
Soccer Legend Pele Visits the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on Sep. 2, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images)
He had started receiving treatment for cancer in 2021 and was hospitalized in November for general health issues.
Edson Arantes Do Nascimento detto “pele'” intrionfo per la vittoria mondiali 1970 in Messico
He died of multiple organ failure due to the progression of colon cancer.
Brazilian footballer Pele jumping in celebration while playing for Santos, circa 1968. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
