Report by Halimah Olamide
Brazilian Legend and Football icon, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, fondly known as Pele, sadly lost the battle to cancer in the late hours of Thursday.
The 82-year-old three-time World Cup winner, was remembered for his wide-ranging accomplishments, both on the football field and off.
According to medical reports, Pele passed away at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo due to multiple organ failure, as a result of his battle with colon cancer.
He had been hospitalised with multiple ailments, including a respiratory infection, and was also suffering from heart and kidney problems.
However, tributes have begun to troop in from fans, sport stars and leaders all over the world to honor the greatest footballer of all time.
Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, wrote on her Instagram, “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, said;
“For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible. Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.”
The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, wrote;
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“Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”
“Pelé had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pelé, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.” – FIFA president Gianni Infantino
“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. Three 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” – Gary Lineker, 1986 World Cup Top Scorer.
“My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that embraces the whole world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, of today, of always.” – Portugal Striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Pele was a true legend; there was no one quite like him. But he also transcended the game and inspired generations on and off the field. My condolences to his family, friends, and fellow Brazilians – as well as to soccer fans around the world.” – U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
“Before Pelé, ’10′ was just a number. I read that somewhere at some point in my life. But that line, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say that before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the Black and above all he gave Brazil visibility. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!” – Brazilian Football Star, Neymar.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.” – French player, Kylian Mbappé.
“Pelé is an incontestable symbol of our nation, a source of pride for all of us. Beyond his achievements as a legend of world sport, Pelé was an exemplary public officer, loyal to his principles, values and to our country. We all lose in his departure.” — Former Brazilian President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
“Rest in peace Pele.” – Argentina football star, Lionel Messi.
“Rest in peace. God bless all his family.” – Brazil captain and Chelsea player Thiago Silva.
Pele was also the Former Minister of Sports in Brazil.