Two years ago, after Diego Maradona died, Pelé wrote in his farewell message: “I hope we’ll kick the ball in heaven one day.”
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. His agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death.
The legendary Brazilian football player spent the last month in hospital. The King of Football had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021.
Pelé is the only football player to win a record three World Cups. He was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and, along with Diego Maradona, was one of two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century. Pelé was also named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.
Two years ago, after Diego Maradona died, Pelé wrote in his farewell message: “I hope we’ll kick the ball in heaven one day.”