Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend and three-time World Cup winner, has passed away at the age of 82. He had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer and had undergone surgery to remove a tumor in September 2021.



In November, he was hospitalized to re-evaluate his cancer treatment, where he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and later moved to palliative care when chemotherapy proved ineffective. Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed his death on Instagram, saying "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

Pele made his international debut at 16 and became known globally in 1958 when, at only 17, he scored six goals in four games to help Brazil win the World Cup for the first time. He also won the World Cup in 1962 and 1970, where he was named the tournament's best player, and scored a total of 757 goals in 831 games throughout his career from 1957 to 1977. Some sources say his actual goal tally may have been closer to 1,000.