Edson Arantes do Nascimiento, known as Pele, died this Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, at the age of 82 years. The soccer legend had been fighting colon cancer for about a year.
After the degeneration of his case, he was rushed to the most prestigious hospital in Sao Paulo. The doctors decided to keep him under the pretext that his body did not respond anymore to the chemotherapy treatment. In spite of the treatment he received, his health condition worsened.
He was diagnosed with heart and kidney failure.
Pelé died alongside his family, especially his two daughters. He had time to say goodbye according to the Brazilian press.
The world of world soccer is bowing down to greet the departure of the one who is considered the greatest footballer of all time.
From his counterpart Neymar through his friend Mbappé, tributes to King Pele are pouring in.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. His talent for soccer was detected early in his childhood. He quickly distinguished himself by shining in the youth categories in the offensive positions.
He began to write his legend early on by becoming the youngest player to win a World Cup in 1958 with the Seleçao, before going on to win two more FIFA World Cups, in 1962 and 1970. He is also the only soccer player to have won three World Cup titles (as many as Argentina, who recently won the title, and more than France, a finalist and two-time winner). He has scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches.
At the club, Pele had no equal, winning all the major titles, collective and individual. If he did not win the Golden Ball, it is only because he had not evolved in Europe. His talent and versatility were undeniable. He led Santos FC to 11 Brazilian championship titles, 2 Intercontinental Cup titles in 1962 and 1963, 2 Copa Libertadores titles, also 1962 and 1963. At the individual level, Pele received the prestigious award of Athlete of the Century from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was also player of the century by FIFA and collected an honorary golden ball on January 13, 2014. In addition to being a member of the World Team of the 20th century.
Pele was, along with Mario Zagallo, the last Brazilian player who played in the 1958 final still alive.
Pele’s dimension went far beyond soccer. He was a true icon. So much so that he was chosen as an ambassador by the UN and UNESCO. He was also involved in the defense of noble causes such as the right to education for children, peace, the fight against racism and drugs. The United Nations awarded him the title of World Citizen in 1977.

Pele had many strings to his bow. He was also involved in cinema, working as a scriptwriter and producer.
He stopped his career in 1977 under the colors of New York Cosmos when he was 37 years old. He later served as Brazil’s Minister of Sports, while successfully passing a law offering guarantees to players and more autonomy. FIFA also hired him as a member of its fair play committee.
Pele leaves with the status of top scorer of the Brazilian national soccer team (77 goals in 92 caps). A record that was equaled by Neymar during the Qatari World Cup.
Pele played 831 official matches, scoring 767 goals. According to FIFA, he played 1363 matches and scored 1281 goals (including 6 quintuplets, 30 quadruplets and 92 triplets