NEWS: Brazilian football legend Pele dies at 82

Considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever, Pele is the only player in history to win three World Cups, the first when he was a teenager.

Brazilian football player Pele died on Thursday, at the age of 82.
He had been battling cancer, as well as kidney and heart problems.
Pele was hospitalized on November 29. He had been regularly receiving hospital care since September 2021, when a tumor was removed from his colon.

His daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed his death in a post on Instagram, sharing a picture of the family holding the hands of the late soccer giant.

“We love you endlessly. Rest in peace,” she wrote.

In a post on Pele’s official Instagram account, a statement read that Pele “enchanted the world with his genius in sport” and helped to spread a message of love.

“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever,” the post reads.

A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.

Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.

Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i

— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022

Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute on his Instagram page, offering his condolences to the people of Brazil, saying the death of “King Pele” has sent great pain throughout the football world.

 

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, team captain of the recently crowned World Cup champions, paid tribute to the star in a post on Instagram.

 

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Kylian Mbappe, who helped lead France to the most recent World Cup final in Qatar against Argentina, offered his condolences in a post on Twitter.

“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten,” Mbappe wrote.

The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud

— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022

Former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama also offered a farewell message on his Twitter post.

Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him. pic.twitter.com/urGRDePaPv

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2022