Brazilian soccer legend Pelé passed away at age 82.
On Thursday, December 29, Pelé’s agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death. Pelé, who has undergone colon cancer treatment since 2021, had been hospitalized for the last month with multiple ailments.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé won a record three World Cups with Brazil and is one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He was known for his incredible skills with the ball at his feet and his prolific scoring with the Brazilian national team and club Santos.
Pelé’s star power transcended soccer and earned him roles in movies and soap operas, along with being a successful businessman, ambassador for UNESCO and the United Nations, and serving as Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister of Sport.
Near the tail end of his playing career, Pelé brought his talents to the United States and joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League in 1975. He scored 64 goals in three seasons and led the Cosmos to the 1977 league championship. He ended his career on October 1, 1977, in an exhibition game between the Cosmos and his former club Santos. In the game, Pelé played a half for each club in front of a crowd of approximately 77,000 in New Jersey.
Rest in Peace to a legend, and one of the greatest to ever do it.
