BRAZIL: On Thursday, December 29, the football community came to a complete halt as the 82-year-old Brazilian legend Pele passed away. After a long fight with colon cancer, the donning symbol died at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital.
Pele’s health had been declining recently, and he had been hospitalized several times due to kidney and prostate issues. Despite his age and health challenges, he remained active in the football community.
Pele was frequently in and out of the hospital after doctors discovered the tumour in September of this year. Pele was also diagnosed with respiratory infection at his most recent visit.
The doctors had recently put him on “end-of-life care” after he stopped responding to chemotherapy. He received treatment only for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in October 1940 in Brazil, Pelé rose to fame as a teenage sensation and quickly became a global icon for his exceptional skills on the pitch.
Pelé began his professional career at 15, signing with Santos FC in Brazil. It was with Santos that Pelé would make his mark, leading the team to numerous victories in the Brazilian league and the South American Champions Cup.
Pele’s international career began in 1957 when he got the call to the Brazilian national team at 17. He played in four World Cups, winning three of them – in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
He also won Copa America in 1959 and 1963. He scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for the national team, making him Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Pelé was known for his incredible speed, agility, and technical abilities.
He was a prolific scorer, with a total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, and was also known for his ability to set up his teammates for goals.
Pelé’s creativity on the field was unmatched, and he could score in various ways, including with his head, feet, and chest.
In addition to his success on the pitch, Pelé was also a trailblazer off of it. He was one of the first soccer players to become a global celebrity, and he used his platform to advocate for social and political issues.
Pele’s impact on football extended beyond the pitch. He was a pioneer in the modern era of sports marketing, using his fame and popularity to promote products and brands. He was also a philanthropist, using his wealth and influence to help those in need.
Pelé was also involved in several business ventures, including endorsement deals and the launch of his own sports academy.
Pelé’s impact on soccer cannot be overstated. He is widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time, and his influence can still be felt today.
He was a true innovator, and people will remember his contributions to the game for generations to come.
Pelé’s passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from fans, fellow players, and soccer organizations worldwide. Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, declared three days of national mourning in honour of Pelé’s life and contributions to the country.
Pelé will always be remembered as a soccer legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. The football community will never forget his impact on football, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest ever to play the game.
Tributes to Pele have poured in from around the world, with football clubs, players, and fans expressing their condolences and memories of the legendary footballer.
Also Read: Brazil’s Pele Not under Palliative Care, Says Daughter
