Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was popularly known as Pelé, has died at 82 after a long battle with colon cancer. His agent, Joe Fraga, confirmed the news to the media on Thursday night.
Pelé had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021. He was admitted to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on November 29.
Pelé was regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, having led Brazil to a trio of World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
He dies as the record holder for Brazil’s leading goal scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and as the only player in history to win the FIFA World Cup three times.
