Brazil icon Pele passes away at 82 after battle with cancer

Brazilian legend Pele has passed away at the age of 82. The forward is considered one of the greatest of all-time, and left an unmatchable impact on world football during his illustrious career. 

Over the past month, reports emerged that the veteran was admitted to the hospital and was being given end-of-life care. His battle with cancer ultimately led to his demise today, at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo. 

Pele passes away at the age of 82 

“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.

“Love, love and love, forever,” the legend’s official Twitter account posted, confirming his passing. 

Born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the Brazilian is the only player in football history to have won three FIFA World Cup trophies. He is also one of five players to have scored in two World Cup finals, and remains the youngest to have scored at the tournament. 

Pele scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, while playing mostly for his hometown club, Santos. He eventually moved to the United States and played for New York Cosmos before hanging up his boots in 1977. 

Following his retirement, the legendary forward became an ambassador for football. He was given the FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur in 2013 in recognition for his iconic career, and he was also named in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team in 2020, the greatest line-up of all-time.