THE KING IS DEAD
Pele dead at 82: Brazil legend and greatest footballer of all time passes away after battle with cancer
PELE, the greatest footballer of all time, has died at the age of 82.
The world of football is in mourning after it was announced the Brazilian icon has passed away in his homeland.
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Pele had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
It has now been confirmed that the greatest player in history has sadly passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of his cancer.
Pele's daughter Kely Nascimento posted a final picture of the legend's family holding his hand.
She wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you we love you infinitely. Rest in peace."
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Pele's official Twitter account added: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever."
Pele was moved into palliative care at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo earlier this month.
The hospital released a statement this evening, which read: "The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein regretfully confirms the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, today, December 29, 2022, at 3:27 pm, due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of cancer of colon associated with his previous clinical condition.
"Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein sympathises with the family and everyone who suffers from the loss of our dear King of Football."
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Rio de Janeiro's iconic monument, Christ the Redeemer, was illuminated in green and yellow in Pele's honour and fans took to the streets as three days of national mourning were announced.
Nicknamed The King, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.
His amazing haul of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which included friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.
He scored a remarkable 77 goals in 92 games for the national team - a record equalled by Neymar at the recent World Cup.
Pele burst on to the scene at an early age.
He made his debut for his local team Santos aged just 15 and then was won his first cap for the Brazil national team at 16.
He won the World Cup in 1958 aged just 17, and then won it again in 1962 and 1970.
The South American superstar racked up 643 goals in 659 appearances for club side Santos across his 18-year spell.
He also played for the New York Cosmos and retired in 1977, in an exhibition match between the Cosmos and Santos.
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In 1992, after his playing career, he was appointed a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment.
Three years later, he was then named Brazil's Extraordinary Minister for Sport by president Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
He was the subject of a hit Netflix show charting his life from childhood poverty to the 1970 World Cup winner.
Pele leaves his third wife Marcia Aoki and six children.
And tributes have been paid from across the world to one of the biggest sports stars in history.
Gary Lineker said: "Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to.
"3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele."
England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst tweeted: "I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside).
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"For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you."
World Cup finalist, and winner in 2018, Kylian Mbappe said: "The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King."
Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt tweeted: "A sporting legend. Rest in Peace King Pele."
Brazil's current golden boy Neymar wrote: "Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.
"But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.
"He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!"
Cristiano Ronaldo put on social media: ";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 Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.
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"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 Pele."
Lionel Messi's post was short but sweet, reading: "Rest in peace Pele."
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil touchingly said: "Rest in peace to one of the greatest legends of the game. Your legacy will live forever.
"I'm sure 'Heaven FC' with Maradona and Pele together will be invincible forever."
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United great Rio Ferdinand said: "The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
"I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him - equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon."
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