While his birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the world knew him as Pelé. Thursday, the legendary Brazillian soccer star who has long been regarded as the greatest to play the game died at 82.
“Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for ‘the beautiful game,’ has died at 82,” wrote reporter Gregory Korte.
Sao Paulo (@AP) — Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for ‘the beautiful game,’ has died at 82.
— Gregory Korte (@gregorykorte) December 29, 2022
It’s hard to know where to start with Pelé’s accolades. Named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and included in Time’s 100 most important people of the 20th century, the soccer legend scored 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies. He won the FIFA World Cup three times with his native country of Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is also a seven-time recipient of the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy.
The Brazillian legend has been battling health issues for some time. In early December, it was reported that he was no longer receiving chemotherapy for bowel cancer and had been moved to end-of-life palliative care. Earlier this week, it was reported that his health had taken a turn for the worse.
The soccer world, and sports world at large, paid its respects and mourned the loss of an icon on Thursday.
“Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away at 82, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game. A man with a god-given talent, one of the names who will remain forever in the memory,” wrote Fabrizio Romano.
Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away at 82, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game.
A man with a god-given talent, one of the names who will remain forever in the memory.
All thoughts with the family.
RIP, legend 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/xxndio7gmM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2022
“played soccer from ages 4 to 14, and for that entire decade, No. 10 was the most desired jersey number for every player on every team. Because Pele wore No. 10,” wrote BetRivers’ Troy Machir.
I played soccer from ages 4 to 14, and for that entire decade, No. 10 was the most desired jersey number for every player on every team.
Because Pele wore No. 10. https://t.co/HDhJXSVHir
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) December 29, 2022
“The impact this man had on the world is incalculable,” wrote CNYCentral reporter Conor Wright.
The impact this man had on the world is incalculable. RIP. https://t.co/XFnIjQ1Nlx
— Conor Wight (@ConorWightTV) December 29, 2022
“I’m just gonna watch Pele highlights till whenever,” said Detroit Free-Press’s Andrew Hammond.
I’m just gonna watch Pele highlights till whenever…
— Andrew Hammond (@ahammALDC) December 29, 2022
