Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.
The standard-bearer of “the beautiful game” had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. He had been hospitalized for the last month with multiple ailments.Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team.His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans.
New York Cosmos player Pele runs onto the field after his introduction before a crowd prior to a game against Rochester Lancers in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 25, 1977. Pelé's fame was such that in 1967 factions of a civil war in Nigeria agreed to a brief cease-fire so he could play an exhibition match in the country. He was knighted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. When he visited Washington to help popularize the game in North America, it was the U.S. president who stuck out his hand first.“My name is Ronald Reagan, I’m the president of the United States of America,” the host said to his visitor.
He had roles in movies, soap operas and even composed songs and recorded CDs of popular Brazilian music.As his health deteriorated, his travels and appearances became less frequent. He was often seen in a wheelchair during his final years and did not attend a ceremony to unveil a statue of him representing Brazil’s 1970 World Cup team. Pelé spent his 80th birthday isolated with a few family members at a beach home.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups, has died at 82BREAKING Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for 'the beautiful game,' has died at 82.
Read more »
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups, has died at 82Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for 'the beautiful game,' has died at 82.
Read more »
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups, has died at 82Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for 'the beautiful game,' has died at 82.
Read more »
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups, has died at 82REST IN PEACE, PELÉ: Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has died at age 82. Pelé is widely regarded as one of soccer's greatest players - his grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans all over the world 💔
Read more »
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups, has died at 82Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for ‘the beautiful game,’ has died at 82.
Read more »
Soccer legend Pelé dies at 82Pelé won three FIFA World Cups in his international career, the most of any single player.
Read more »