Brazil’s Iconic Soccer Star Pele Dies at 82

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

Named the greatest player of all time in 2011 by FIFA, the sports international governing body, Pele led Brazil to three World Cup titles.

Pele’s goal totals anywhere between 650 (league matches) and 1,281 (all senior matches, some against low-level competition.)

🤍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁!#LUFC joins the world in expressing our sadness at the passing of football legend, Pele. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. RIP pic.twitter.com/wmy44K7PFo

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 29, 2022

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele was introduced to the world at 17 at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, the youngest player at the tournament. He scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over the host country in the final.

An injury limited him to two games when Brazil retained the world title in 1962, but Pele was the emblem of his country’s World Cup triumph of 1970 in Mexico.

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

He was knighted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. When he visited Washington to help popularise the game in North America, it was the U.S. president who stuck out his hand first.

“My name is Ronald Reagan, I’m the president of the United States of America,” the host said to his visitor. “But you don’t need to introduce yourself because everyone knows who Pele is.”

Pelé starred for Santos, a club in his homeland. During his career, he resisted numerous offers to play in Europe, citing his loyalty to Brazil. He had planned to retire after playing his final game for Santos in 1974. But he was deeply in debt and, at the age of 35, he agreed to a $7 million contract to play the final three seasons of his professional career with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League.

With Pelé as their featured attraction, the Cosmos routinely filled 80,000-seat Giants Stadium to near capacity and league-wide his presence helped boost average attendance by almost 80 percent between 1975 (7,597) and 1977 (13,584).

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Tributes poured in on social media:

“One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky” – Pele’s message after Diego Maradona died in 2020.

Enjoy your game, legends 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t0l88bpILD

— GOAL (@goal) December 29, 2022

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ocr5KF239t

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2022

We are truly saddened to hear the news of Pele’s passing.

As a club, we had the privilege of hosting Pele in 1981, at Highbury. A memory we will always cherish.

Our thoughts, along with entire football community are with Pele’s loved ones today. pic.twitter.com/PZgWmXvSRh

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 29, 2022

A Sporting Legend.

Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) December 29, 2022

Manchester City are saddened to learn of the passing of Brazil legend Pelé, one of the all-time greats who did so much for the beautiful game. May he rest in peace 💙 pic.twitter.com/ufWoNWWcE9

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 29, 2022

The greatest this sport has seen.

Rest in peace, Pelé 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/DiV01Kiqwe

— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) December 29, 2022

Legend of the game.

RIP, Pele. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/smRk1zi5gt

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 29, 2022

The Muhammad Ali Center would like to share our condolences on the passing of soccer legend, Pele. ⚽

In remembrance, we celebrate his special friendship with Muhammad and his impact on the sporting world 💔 pic.twitter.com/gUYq468VQP

— Muhammad Ali Center (@AliCenter) December 29, 2022

🤍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁!#LUFC joins the world in expressing our sadness at the passing of football legend, Pele. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. RIP pic.twitter.com/wmy44K7PFo

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 29, 2022