The global football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento has died aged 82, his manager, Joe Fraga has confirmed.
Popularly known as Pele, he was a worldwide football celebrity who was declared a national treasure in his native Brazil.
Born in 1940, Pele died on Thursday, December 29, 2022, in São Paulo. He was 82.
According to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, his death was caused by multiple organ failures, the result of the progression of colon cancer.
Pelé had been receiving treatment for cancer in recent years, and he entered the hospital several weeks ago for treatment of a variety of health issues, including a respiratory infection.
A national hero in his native Brazil, Pelé was beloved around the world — by the very poor, among whom he was raised; the very rich, in whose circles he traveled; and just about everyone who ever saw him play.