Pelé, one of the most recognizable athletes in history, passed away this Thursday. The three-time World Cup winner is a legend of more than just football. He was 82 years old.
For some time, Pelé’s health deteriorated. More recently, he had problems related to colon cancer. She spent Christmas in a Brazilian hospital surrounded by her loved ones. His official Twitter account played a role in announcing the legend’s passing on Thursday.
Always a beacon of happiness, Pele embodied joy in the game. He spent the vast majority of his career at Santos. He spent 18 seasons with Santos before concluding his playing days with the New York Cosmos. In many ways, he brought unseen attention to American soccer. Home games involving Pelé averaged attendance figures just shy of 45,000, topping 70,000. Prior to his arrival, the New York Cosmos had a peak attendance of just over 8,000.
However, it is Pelé’s international career that makes him stand out among the greats of the game. The Brazilian appeared in four World Cups. Surprisingly, he won three. To be fair, he only played two games in the 1962 World Cup which Brazil won. Regardless, he remains the only player to win three World Cups.
Part of Pelé’s acclaim is that he won the 1958 World Cup when he was 17 years old. His first of two goals in the final against Sweden is one of the most famous goals in history, as he blasted it past the defender before volleying home Brazil’s third.
Present and former players send love to Pelé after his death
, , and more stated how the game, as it is played now, is the result of Pelé’s actions as a pioneer. As stated, much of Pelé’s personality revolved around the game. That is the message that he left in his legacy.
Even the teams he didn’t play for understand the Brazilian’s impact on sports history. , , and, of course, Santos paid tribute to ‘King’ Pelé.
Pelé’s death is one of the great losses in the world football community. Its scope goes far beyond tournaments, leagues, matches or goals. He was, and will continue to be, the king of the beautiful game.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
