BRAZILIAN KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AT 82

 IN THE MEMORY OF LEGEND PELE

'King of Soccer' Pele dies at 82, former Brazil national team

Former Brazil national team striker Pele (real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento), who was touted as the "king of football", died at a hospital in Sao Paulo on the December 29th due to multiple organ failure caused by the progression of colon cancer. He was 82 years old. It was announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation and others. He was the only player in history to win three World Cups.

Since undergoing colon surgery in September last year, he has been in and out of the hospital repeatedly, and was readmitted to the hospital in late November this year. Pele's official Instagram account posted, "King Pele's journey was full of inspiration and love." "He captivated the world with his extraordinary sporting talent, stopped wars, carried out social work around the world, and spread what he most believed was the cure for all problems: love."

Born in Tres Corazónes in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, he made his debut at the age of 15 for prestigious club Santos. Combining high physical ability and technique, he joined the Brazil national team at the age of 16. At the age of 17, he became the youngest World Cup scorer at the time in the quarter-final against Wales at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, and scored a hat-trick (three goals in one game) in the semi-final against France. He also scored two goals in the final against the host nation to lead Brazil to their first title.

He participated in four World Cups. He won the '62 edition in Chile and the tournament in Mexico in '70, giving his country the honor of winning the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time. With Santos, he won back-to-back Copa Libertadores in '62 and '63 to determine the South American champions. His career goal is 1,281.

After retiring from active football in '77, he worked on charity and became Brazil's Minister of Sports in '95. In Japan, he appeared in many TV commercials and became popular.

"Pele is immortal" mourning voices from Japan and abroad Jersey number 10 that was a longing all over the world

Former Brazil national team player Pele (real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento), who was called the "King of Soccer", passed away on the 29th December. A football legend who is the only player in history to win the World Cup three times. According to the Associated Press and others, "Pele is immortal," and there are many voices praising his achievements at home and abroad.

"Before Pele, the number 10 was just a number." Pele's number 10 has become a coveted number for soccer players and children around the world. Brazilian superstar Neymar pointed out that "he changed everything" and "made Brazil's existence known, the voice of the poor, the black", and that "Pele is immortal".

Portugal international player Ronald said on his official Instagram account: "Saying goodbye to Pele, the Eternal King, is not enough to express the pain that covers this football world", "He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. King Pele."

LEGENDARY BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL PLAYER AND KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AT 82

Zico: 'The greatest player of all time is Pele' FIFA in feature article

Pele, the only player in history to win the World Cup three times, and a former Brazil striker who was touted as the "King of Football," died on December 29 at the age of 82. FIFA published a feature article praising Pele's achievements on its official website.

FIFA president Infantino said: "He was the only player to have won three World Cups, his skill and imaginations were outstanding, he was always an exemplary athlete and respected his opponents. What he left behind cannot be expressed in words." Referring to the interaction after becoming president, he recalled, "The time I spent with him will forever remain in my memory and in my heart, he is like a magnet, and when we are together, the rest of the world has stopped."

In the feature article, we summarized the comments that some of the best players of yesteryear had to say about Pele. Zico, a former Brazil international player and Japan national team manager, said: "The debate over the greatest player of all time is ridiculous, there is only one possible answer and that is Pele."

A football life that he lived and loved: Pele continued to watch the World Cup in his hospital room

Former Brazil national team striker Pele, who was touted as the "king of football," died on the December 29th at the age of 82.

During the World Cup in Qatar, which was held until December 18, it was reported that he had stopped chemotherapy for cancer and shifted to "palliative care," but he continued to watch the tournament from his hospital room. He loved football until the very end, and his life was loved by many officials and fans.

After the tournament, he wrote on Instagram: "Messi won his first World Cup, he deserves his trajectory", "Congratulations to Argentina. Surely Diego is smiling right now," he posted, congratulating his South American rival while overlaying the image of the late Argentina international Diego Maradona. France's top scorer Mbappe and Morocco, who became the first African team to reach the last four, also praised the sport, saying: "What a gift to see the future of this sport."

On the other hand, during the tournament, there were many voices of concern about Pele's medical condition. Coach Chichi, who led the Brazil National Team, said, "I hope you get better as soon as possible, and everyone is sending you love," while Coach Sampaio, who also played in the J.League, also called for "prayers and positive energy for him."

The support of the supporters was strong, and at the match venue, Pele wore a shirt with the number "10" and a big flag with the words "Get Well Soon" was raised.

Illumination in memory of Pele: Voices of grief spread across Brazil

For Brazil, the soccer kingdom, Pele, who died on the December 29th, was a legendary player. The sudden farewell caused widespread grief not only from the football world, but also from political circles and citizens.

Ronaldo, 46, who led Brazil to victory as the top scorer at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, said, "He was a role model for all the players. In a statement, the 68-year-old president of the Brazilian Football Federation vowed to "continue our efforts to pass on Pele's legacy to future generations."

On the same day, Santos, who joined the club at the age of 15, posted an image of the crown with the words "forever" in memory of the deceased who was called the "king of football" on Twitter. It was announced that a vigil would be held at the club's stadium on 2 January next year. The casket containing Pele's body will be placed in the centre of the pitch.

Political circles also expressed their admiration for Pele. President Bolsonaro, 67, praised the "transformation of football into art and joy." On the same day, the Brazilian government declared that the whole country would mourn for three days to show its condolences to Pele. President-elect Lula, 77, who will take office on January 1 next year, also praised his achievements, saying, "Few Brazilians have spread Brazil's name to the world as much as he did."

After his death, Pele's illumination was projected on the walls of a building on Paulista Avenue in the center of São Paulo.

Gini Trapasso, a 42-year-old translator who was filming with her smartphone in the rain, said: "It's a sad day, but Pele will always live on in his heart." Moreno Bernandez, 55, who runs a clothing store, said, "There is no player who can match Pele, and it is as great a loss for the football world as Maradona of Argentina, who passed away in November 2020," as he put his hand on the emblem on the chest of the Brazil national team jersey he wore while looking at the illuminations.

ILLUMINATION IN THE MEMORY OF PELE ON THE WALLS OF A BUILDING ON PAULISTA AVENUE