Brazil football legend Pele passes away aged 82: Details here
Brazil football legend and three-time FIFA World Cup winner Pele has passed away aged 82. Notably, Pele was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo earlier this month. It was reported that he was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy. In recent years, he had been battling health issues. He had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021.
Pele wasn't responding to chemotherapy
Reports came out that Pele no longer responded to chemotherapy and was under palliative care to avoid pain and shortness of breath. Notably, there was no longer any treatment for the bowel cancer, which had metastasized to Pele's lungs and liver.
Pele's crucial numbers at the FIFA World Cup
Pele won three FIFA World Cup honors in 1958, 1962, and 1970 respectively. Pele managed 12 goals for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup which is the second-highest tally after Ronaldo (15). Pele scored in four World Cups and shares the record with Uwe Seeler, Miroslav Klose, and Lionel Messi. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has a better record (5 World Cups).
Pele changed football with his style of play
Pele is the joint-all-time leading scorer for Brazil
Pele, along with Neymar, is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals (92 games). He is one of the few players to have scored 75-plus goals in international football. Besides excelling on the international stage, Pele scored over 1,200 goals in his career. RIP Pele!
Failure of multiple organs led to Pele's death
The hospital confirmed that Pele died "due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition". Pele's Twitter account posted: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love, and love, forever."
Brazilian Football Confederation issues a statement
The Brazilian Football Confederation said: "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time. Our king of football was the greatest exponent of a victorious Brazil, who was never afraid when faced with difficulty. He promised his father a World Cup and he presented us with three. The King gave us a new Brazil and we are so thankful for his legacy."
