Brazilian Soccer Legend & Eternal King Pelé dies at 82
How an international legend was an all-time athlete and an advocate for the poor and children.
Pelé, the Brazilian soccer legend won three World Cups and became the sport’s first global icon. Earlier, he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and was undergoing treatment. Pelé was admitted to a Sao Paulo hospital for a respiratory infection and complications related to colon cancer. These ailments led to multiple organ failures due to the progression of colon cancer.
The mention of Pelé’s name commanded respect globally. Pelé’s name was the face of soccer for over 60 years. He played in four World Cups and was the only player who won three World Cups. Pelé always said that he was born to play soccer that soccer will forever be indebted to him and that the number 10 he wore on his jersey will forever bare his legacy. Pelé has been credited with turning football into art and into entertainment. Also, added to his legacy is that he gave a voice to the poor, to Black people, and especially, gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil are forever indebted to Pele for much visibility and for putting them on a visible map.
