Ailing Brazil football legend Pelé has died at the age of 82.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, succumbed to colon cancer in a Sao Paulo hospital surrounded by his family.
The hospital subsequently released a medical report that read: “The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein confirms with regret the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé, today, December 29, 2022, at 3:27 p.m., due to multiple organ failure, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition.
“The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein sympathises with the family and all who suffer from the loss of our dear King of Football.”
He had been in hospital for about a month with doctors saying the football legend was no longer responding to cancer treatment.
Pelé will be remembered as one of the most iconic sports figures ever -Winner of a record three football World Cups with Brazil.
He was Brazils all-time leading mens goal scorer (77 goals, tied with Neymar).
At 17 years old Pelé was the youngest ever footballer to score at or win a World Cup.
After he passed away on Thursday, tributes started pouring in from all quarters, including former U.S. president, Barack Obama, footballers Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.
Brazil has declared three days of mourning ahead of Pelé’s funeral on Tuesday.
