Pele

Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup winner who masterminded the "beautiful game," ...

He was often welcomed like royalty when traveling abroad with Santos or the national team. Pele dazzled from the age of 15, when he started playing professionally with Santos. Pele declined offers to play in Europe, but signed for a brief, lucrative swan song with the Cosmos at the end of his career, bringing his star power to the land of "soccer." Known for his genius with the ball, he epitomized the sublime style of play called "samba football" in Brazil, where he was declared a "national treasure." We love you infinitely. Rest in peace," daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.

Pele, the legendary Brazilian soccer player who rose from barefoot poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in modern history, ...

"The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten," he wrote on Twitter. Brazil's CBF soccer federation said "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time ... "God gave me this ability for one reason: To make people happy," he said during a 2013 interview with Reuters. Three-time World Cup winner, the IOC's Athlete of the Century and scorer of 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil. "And also off the field, he was a cool person, not an arrogant athlete." As a player, souvenir-seeking fans often rushed the field following games and tore off his shorts, socks and even underwear. We mourn the passing of one of the most iconic sportspeople of all time. Yet even in unguarded moments among friends, he rarely complained. He also had difficulty walking unaided since an unsuccessful hip operation in 2012. The king. O Rei. O Jogo.

In this photo taken on May 8, 1960, Brazilian football legend Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, in Sweden.

Once in the team, Pele made it impossible for him to be removed. "Pele was the most complete player I've ever seen," England's Bobby Moore recalled later. Working in tandem with Garrincha and his famously bent legs, Pele gave a virtuoso display as the Soviets were vanquished 2-0. He earned a call-up to the national team a year later, scoring on his debut against Argentina. It is a testament to the quality of Pele's play in Mexico that he is remembered for the goals he didn't score as much as for the ones he did. In 1958 he was picked for the World Cup in Sweden.

He had been receiving regular treatment from doctors ever since undergoing surgery to have a tumour on his colon removed in September 2021, but had been ...

He retired having won three World Cups - and currently remains the only player to do so - and is still Brazil's top scorer with 77 goals from his 92 caps. Pele made his debut for Santos in 1956 in what was the start of a career that would turn the game on its head. His condition failed to improve, with Pele remaining in hospital in Sao Paulo throughout the 2022 World Cup and then for Christmas,

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento Pele of Brazil celebrates the victory after his team won the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico against Italy at Estadio Azteca in Città ...

“On that day Brazil firmly planted their flag on the summit of world football, a peak to which all other teams must aspire.” After retiring from international football for two years he returned in time for Mexico 1970, determined to win the Jules Rimet trophy and go out on a high. “Post-1970 the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Brazil is football. He was supported by an ensemble cast. By the time he retired, they had won three — more than any other team. He burst on to the scene at the age of 17 in 1958, scoring six goals in the knockout stages, including two in the final against Sweden, as Brazil recorded their first triumph.

When he finally retired in 1977, Pele had scored more than 1,000 goals. He scored 77 for Brazil, a mark only equalled at the recent World Cup by Neymar. But his ...

"Pele was the most complete player I've ever seen," England's Bobby Moore recalled later. Once in the team, Pele made it impossible for him to be removed. Working in tandem with Garrincha and his famously bent legs, Pele gave a virtuoso display as the Soviets were vanquished 2-0. He earned a call-up to the national team a year later, scoring on his debut against Argentina. It is a testament to the quality of Pele's play in Mexico that he is remembered for the goals he didn't score as much as for the ones he did. But he aggravated an existing injury in the second game, against the Czechs, and was forced to sit out the remainder of the tournament as his countrymen successfully defended their title.

Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup winner who masterminded the "beautiful game," ...

He was often welcomed like royalty when traveling abroad with Santos or the national team. Pele dazzled from the age of 15, when he started playing professionally with Santos. Pele declined offers to play in Europe, but signed for a brief, lucrative swan song with the Cosmos at the end of his career, bringing his star power to the land of "soccer." Known for his genius with the ball, he epitomized the sublime style of play called "samba football" in Brazil, where he was declared a "national treasure." We love you infinitely. Rest in peace," daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.

Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, who many regard as the greatest player of all time, has died in hospital in Sao Paulo at the age of 82.

He scored a world record 1,281 goals, playing in 1,363 games during his professional career, which began when he was just 15. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pelé. At the time, the Secretary-General of the Summit, Maurice Strong, described him as not only the greatest footballer in the world, but “a universal man”, rooted in Brazil. He was also appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the crucial UN Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, in 1992, one of the first major global development and environment summits devoted to a more sustainable future for all. He devoted considerable time in retirement to supporting the UN and its work, both as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Children’s Fund [UNESCO](https://en.unesco.org/), tweeted that it was “deeply saddened” at his passing, and extended condolences to the Brazilian people, and the wider “football family”.

Pele's position as one of the greatest footballers of all time has never been contested but the same cannot be said for the number of goals he scored in his ...

And he scored against almost all of them." So when they did face off in friendlies they were serious affairs. Two months later, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 768th goal, three more than Pele's total, including international goals. FIFA put his overall total at more than 1,200 - over 1,000 of which came for his first club, Santos. "Pele played against some of the biggest teams in the world. Almost half of Pele's goals came in friendly matches – including games as an army conscript - and some argue they do not carry the same weight as goals scored in competitive matches.

BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION. "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time. The King of Soccer was the ultimate exponent of a victorious ...

The king of football - one and only. Of the guy who enchanted the world and changed the history of the game forever. The greatest of all time. As I could experience myself, he was a true believer in the Olympic values and a proud carrier of the Olympic flame. Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. Thank you for the joy you gave the Brazilian people and the people of the world. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family. He made football the beautiful game and truly international. The King of Kings has died. "Brazil and the world mourn the death of our eternal number 10, the greatest soccer player of all time.

Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, died aged 82 on Thursday in his native Brazil. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at five of the best goals ...

His first goal of a brace in a 3-2 group-stage victory against Romania was a thunderous free-kick from 30 yards out which flew into the net. Photographers swarmed onto the pitch to capture his celebrations with his teammates in the back of the Welsh net. – The first of Pele's 12 World Cup goals came in the 1958 last eight against a strong Wales side led by John Charles.

Pele, who is the only player in history to win three World Cups, passed away at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with cancer; ...

He said: "For me he is the greatest player of all time. "He gave voice to the poor, to black people and especially: he gave visibility to Brazil. In 2020, he was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team, a greatest of all-time XI. RIP Pele and thank you." In 2013, he was awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur in recognition of his career and achievements. A message from Pele's official Twitter account on Thursday read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.

Pele was a footballing legend the world over, but for people in Brazil he was so much more.

Again, many felt that was a weak position given his huge influence - and of course the turbulent politics that he lived through - including a dictatorship. Pele was also known to keep his head down when it came to politics. In fact, president Janio Quadros in 1961 even declared him a national treasure, which meant for years he couldn't be "exported" to play for clubs abroad, such was his hero status and importance for national pride. In a country where racism and classism are still so dominant, Pele, a black footballer from a poor background, was an incredible success story. When news eventually came of his passing, it was still a big moment. This is a moment that Brazilians had been expecting for some time but also dreading.

His death after a long battle with cancer was caused by 'multiple organ failure', the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement, ...

He was often welcomed like royalty when traveling abroad with Santos or the national team. Pele declined offers to play in Europe, but signed for a brief, lucrative swansong with the New York Cosmos at the end of his career, bringing his star power to the land of "soccer." Pele reached the pinnacle of his greatness at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the first broadcast in colour, where he starred on what many consider the greatest team of all time, with talents such as Rivellino, Tostao and Jairzinho. "As one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together," Obama wrote. His death after a long battle with cancer was caused by "multiple organ failure," the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement, confirming the news from the legend's family. His death after a long battle with cancer was caused by 'multiple organ failure', the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement, confirming the news from the legend's family.

Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, died aged 82 in his native Brazil. Here's a look at five of the best Pele World Cup goals.

His first goal of a brace in a 3-2 group-stage victory against Romania was a thunderous free-kick from 30 yards out which flew into the net. Pele wrote himself into footballing folklore by becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup final, a feat only matched 60 years later by France's Kylian Mbappe. Photographers swarmed onto the pitch to capture his celebrations with his teammates in the back of the Welsh net.

Fans in Africa have paid glowing tributes to Brazil football legend Pele, terming his death a great loss to the game.

During the dark days of apartheid, Brazilian and global football icon Pele used his profile to help raise awareness against the injustices that were ...

"Let us carry on his work. He was one of the most influential people in my life," he added. After being alarmed by this, he vowed that he would never visit South Africa again until Nelson Mandela was released from prison. "He was my companion in the struggle for the popular cause and for world peace. "He was my hero, my friend," Pele tweeted. In March 1995 after Mandela was elected as the first democratic President of South Africa, Pele got the opportunity to meet Mandela.

Pele, the legendary Brazilian soccer player who rose from barefoot poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in modern history, died on.

Brazil’s CBF soccer federation said “Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time… “And also off the field, he was a cool person, not an arrogant athlete.” When he was a player, souvenir-seeking fans rushed the field following games and tore off his shorts, socks and even underwear. “God gave me this ability for one reason: To make people happy,” he said during a 2013 interview with Reuters. He also had difficulty walking unaided since an unsuccessful hip operation in 2012. “The game.

Neymar led football's emotional tributes to Pele after the Brazil legend's death on Thursday as the PSG star said his iconic compatriot had transformed the ...

Like all legends, the King seemed immortal," Deschamps said. It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him." "The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP Pele and thank you." Rest in peace, King Pele." Pele is ETERNAL!"

The death of Pelé has left the world in sorrow, and many football stars have taken to social media to express their sympathies.

Rest in peace, King Pelé.Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese football player Every Tom, Dick, and Harriet is invited; no stywe broekie required!](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461469/a-new-spin-on-the-45th-cape-town-cycle-tour) [Read More](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461469/a-new-spin-on-the-45th-cape-town-cycle-tour) ['Destigmatise mental health in men' - sports psychologist on Sbu Nkosi’s break](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461472/destigmatise-mental-health-in-men-sports-psychologist-on-sbu-nkosi-s-break) [The 26-year-old Springbok is taking a mental health break, after not being seen in public for three weeks.](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461472/destigmatise-mental-health-in-men-sports-psychologist-on-sbu-nkosi-s-break) [Read More](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461472/destigmatise-mental-health-in-men-sports-psychologist-on-sbu-nkosi-s-break) [We're trying to be Galácticos of basketball on this Continent - Lebesa Selepe](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461303/we-re-trying-to-be-galacticos-of-basketball-on-this-continent-lebesa-selepe) [Clarence Ford speaks to Head Coach Flosh Ngwenya and Co-Captain Lebesa Selepe of Cape Town Tigers Basketball Club in Gugulethu.](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461303/we-re-trying-to-be-galacticos-of-basketball-on-this-continent-lebesa-selepe) [Read More](https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/461303/we-re-trying-to-be-galacticos-of-basketball-on-this-continent-lebesa-selepe) He will never be forgotten, and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere 'goodbye' to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. Pelé is FOREVER!!Neymar, Brazilian football player Rest in peace 💔💔💔". He gave voice to the poor, and to Blacks and mostly, he gave visibility to Brazil. Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. We love you infinitely.

Brazil starts three days of national mourning for football legend Pele, the three-time World Cup winner widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, ...

He was often welcomed like royalty when traveling abroad with Santos or the national team. Mario Zagallo, who won the World Cup alongside Pele in 1958 and 1962, said the King had "stopped the world several times" with his talent. Pele declined offers to play in Europe but signed for a brief, lucrative swansong with the New York Cosmos at the end of his career, bringing his star power to the land of "soccer." Brazil star Neymar said Pele "transformed football into an art." Pele reached the pinnacle of his greatness at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the first broadcast in colour, where he starred on what many consider the greatest team of all time, with talents such as Rivellino, Tostao and Jairzinho. "As one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together," Obama wrote.

In her book “Sneaker Wars”, Barbara Smit details how, during the 1970 World Cup, Pele struck an agreement with Puma that would earn him $25,000 for the ...

In 2006, he even released an album in collaboration with the famed Brazilian singer/songwriter Gilberto Gil. That film, which also featured Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone, was the high point of his film career. Pele was smuggled out of the country once the borders were opened by the government, with the Brazilian authorities insisting Pele be dressed as a pilot to conceal his identity. Pele however claimed that he never used Viagra. He later reconciled with Edinho, a former goalkeeper at Santos, the club where Pele made his name as a footballer, but his relationship with his first daughter was even more problematic. The deal, which broke a pact between Puma and fierce rivals Adidas not to sign Pele because of the cost of a bidding war, was made on the condition that he tie his shoelaces before the kickoff of Brazil’s quarter-final match with Peru.

The death of 'The King' who transcended football triggered a wave of tributes around the globe from the sports world and also from political and cultural ...

Pel was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. He was often welcomed like royalty when traveling abroad with Santos or the national team. Brazil star Neymar said Pele "transformed football into an art." Mario Zagallo, who won the World Cup alongside Pele in 1958 and 1962, said the King had "stopped the world several times" with his talent. Pele declined offers to play in Europe but signed for a brief, lucrative swansong with the New York Cosmos at the end of his career, bringing his star power to the land of "soccer." His influence extended beyond the pitch, with gigs as a movie star, singer and sports minister (1995-1998) - he was one of the first black cabinet members in Brazil. 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.Barack Obama (@BarackObama) "As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together," Obama wrote. Pele reached the pinnacle of his greatness at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the first broadcast in color, where he starred on what many consider the greatest team of all time, with talents such as Rivellino, Tostao and Jairzinho. The death of "The King" who transcended football triggered a wave of tributes around the globe from the sports world and also from political and cultural leaders. A wake will take place on Monday, followed by a funeral on Tuesday in Santos, the southeastern city where he played most of his career, his former club said. The death of 'The King' who transcended football triggered a wave of tributes around the globe from the sports world and also from political and cultural leaders.

TOPLINE Pelé—believed by many to be the greatest soccer player ever who paved the way for the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—died Thursday at ...

RIP KING,” French star Kylian Mbappé [posted](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmw3BJNszmO/?hl=en) to his Instagram on Thursday, including a 2019 picture with Pelé. An inspiration to so many millions…Rest in peace King Pelé.” Messi [posted](https://www.instagram.com/leomessi/?hl=en) several photos of the late Brazilian, captioned“Rest in peace, @Pele.” [post](https://twitter.com/Pele/status/1608543008332615682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1608543008332615682%7Ctwgr%5Efd4fddff8708dbf169eb4594c8c8564869c420f8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2Flive-blogs%2Fpele-death-reaction-tributes%2FMnmGaQnA58Cx%2F) Thursday afternoon from Pelé’s social media accounts announcing the sporting legend’s death. [2021](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimberleespeakman/2021/09/06/soccer-icon-pel-recovering-in-icu-following-surgery-to-remove-tumor/?sh=19d742d746cc) and was sudden hospitalized in late November due to a Covid-related respiratory infection, which was initially [reported](https://news.yahoo.com/pel-family-covid-caused-infection-025618014.html) to be a “reassessment of chemotherapy treatment.” The 2022 World Cup in Qatar featured [various](https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/12/04/638c2a45e2704e25b88b45bb.html) [tributes](https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-2022-brazil-beat-south-korea-players-pay-tribute-to-pele-news-cancer-hospital/news-story/5a12601139dd70637581c3743f173282) to Pelé and ended with Messi hoisting his first ever World Cup trophy, leading Argentina to the victory. “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Ronaldo also shared a [tribute](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmw4CjNrctl/?hl=en) to Pelé, writing, “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. [wrote](https://twitter.com/LulaOficial/status/1608560081221881856), “Few Brazilians took the name of our country as far as he did.” Tributes across the soccer world also streamed in. [Born](https://www.footballhistory.org/player/pele.html) Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil, he was nicknamed “Pelé,” for his mispronunciation of Bilé, his favorite goalie and father’s teammate, and not what many believed was an old Gaelic term for what the rest of the world calls football, as he wrote in an article for [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/13/sport.comment9). The Brazilian cemented his legacy early in his career at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, making his debut at the age of 17 and becoming the youngest player to participate in a World Cup final, which Brazil would win—Pelé also won the 1962 and 1970 World Cups, making him the only soccer player in the world to hold three titles. “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. Though his father Joāo Ramos, known as “Dondinho,” was a soccer player, Pelé grew up in poverty as his father struggled to earn a living through the sport, yet that did not stop Pelé from practicing and eventually developing a natural talent for the game. Pelé—believed by many to be the greatest soccer player ever who paved the way for the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—died Thursday at age 82 after a long battle with colon cancer, according to his family.

Brazilian football great Pele died on Thursday aged 82 after a long battle with cancer. Here are reactions from Brazil to the football legend's death:.

"Brazil lost today the greatest icon in the country's football history. Thank you for the joy you gave the Brazilian people and the people of the world. "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time. The greatest of all time." "Today it's not only football that is in mourning but the whole WORLD! You are and always will be matchless and eternal, King." He was the greatest of all time. I am proud to have played in two World Cups with the number 10, which was consecrated by him." For the tears of emotion. The only three-time world champion showed by his actions that, in addition to being a great athlete, he was also a great citizen and patriot, taking the name of Brazil wherever he went." On the field, Pele had all the technical qualities of a superstar at the highest level. "My biggest partner is gone and it's with that smile that I'm going to keep you with me.

Brazil begins first day of mourning the late footballing legend as landmarks are lit up in tribute.

He regularly faced monkey chants on the pitch and was called several racist nicknames. Lots of parallels have been drawn between Pelé and royalty - he was the closest Brazil had. But really, Brazilians will mourn for much longer. The front pages in Brazil were all talking about Pelé on Friday. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Pelé had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021.

WHAT HAPPENED? The Brazil legend died on Thursday from cancer complications, and while reminiscing about his encounters with the three-time World Cup winner ...

Pele’s popularity was enhanced by his performance in the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden. "In 2010, he came to the country for the Fifa World Cup, and one night he came to my house and refused to go back to the hotel. At the 2018 World Cup, he was pictured in a wheelchair. "For me, he is the greatest football player ever. "The second memory was when we shared the bus while playing for the US on the Asia tour. After winning that match and getting the trophy, he gave me the strongest hug I have ever had," Sono told

Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer.

(Credit: Allsport/Hulton) You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. (Photo by 4Imagens/Getty Images) His death leaves a devastating void not just in the world of football, but to the sport as a whole. Pele single-handedly contributed a number of memorable moments, such as winning three World Cups, scoring over 1000 goals and much more. Pele popularised the game of football to a global phenomenon.

Johannesburg — Brazilian football superstar Pele, who has died at the age of 82, was “a unique inspiration to the African continent” who will “forever live ...