On December 29, 2022, Brazilian soccer superstar Pele died at age 82, just a few days short of New Year’s Day.
According to reports, Pele had been dealing with kidney and prostate issues in the last few years. In September 2021, he had surgery at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paolo to remove a colon tumor. Kely Nascimento, his daughter, used social media to make sure that fans were aware of her father’s condition.
Pele was said to be going through medical treatment. It was also shared that he struggled to walk without help due to a failed hip operation in 2012.
The superstar was confined once again before the end of November 2022.
According to the hospital, Pele was declared dead at 3:27 p.m. due to “multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition.”
Brazilian soccer star Neymar shared on his social media that Pele greatly contributed to the rise in both soccer’s and Brazil’s popularity. He added that Pele “transformed football into art, entertainment,” and that Pele is “eternal.” Other personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Geoff Hurst, and Brazil’s next President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, among others, have also posted their messages and praise for the soccer legend.
A one-day wake will be held on Monday at the stadium in Santos, where he started his athletic journey. His remains will be carried through the streets of Santos, will pass by his mother’s neighborhood, and will finally be buried privately at the Ecumenical Memorial Necropolis cemetery.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Rio de Janeiro, Pele trained at a young age and made his World Cup debut at 17 years old. In his lifetime, Pele has won the World Cup three times and is the only person to do so. In 2000, he received recognition such as “Player of the Century” and“Athlete of the Century.”
Pele is considered a legend, a patriot, and a role model to many.
