Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend who set a record by winning three World Cups, passed away on Thursday at age 82. He was one of the most influential athletes of the 20th century. His passing away was verified by his agent Joe Fraga. Since 2021, the representative of “the beautiful game” has been receiving treatment for colon cancer.
With numerous illnesses, he had spent the previous month in the hospital. Widely considered one of soccer’s all-time greats, Pele spent almost two decades thrilling supporters and stunning rivals as the sport’s leading scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team.
Pele’s Game Achievement
The Brazilian, considered one of the game’s all-time great forwards, made his country debut at 16 and finished his career as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 games. The only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962, and 1970, is Pele.
The forward player for Brazilian club Santos for a significant portion of his career (1956–1974), tallying 643 goals in 659 games. In addition, Pele played for the American football team New York Cosmos during the final two years of his playing career.
Tribute to Pele
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, a picture in black and white with Ronaldo holding a trophy and holding the hand of Pele and making eye contact with a smile. He captioned, “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.
An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today, and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared, even from distance. He will never be forgotten, and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pelé.”
Abhishek Bachchan also shared a picture of Pele in blue short of winning moments and another picture with a monochrome picture of three world cup trophies in Pele’s hands and a big smile. Abhishek captioned, “As a child, my father introduced me to Pelé and his magic. And thus began a lifelong love for football.
We had shelves filled with VHS tapes of his and the Brazilian team’s matches. I would religiously watch them with my father. A magician we’ve all been blessed to witness. A few years ago, while visiting India, I somehow managed to get an autographed jersey of his. It has pride of placement in my office. Thank you, sir, for teaching us about Joga bonito and being such a hero and idol to billions. Rest in peace to the greatest! @pele.”
Will Smith also shared pictures of Pele and himself taking selfies, autographing a shirt, and scoring a goal. Will Smith captioned, “The greatest to ever do it. Rest in peace, King Pelé.”
On Instagram, Kareena Kapoor Khan posted a photo of Pele in a football uniform and captioned, “KING.” Vicky Kaushal shared a story of Pele in a monochrome picture and stated, “1940-2022 RIP.” Munmun Dutta shared a story of Pele and captioned, “My father’s favorite sports person, Rest in peace.”