Legendary Soccer Player Pelé Dead at 82

Pelé passed due to complications related to colon cancer.

Pelé passed due to complications related to colon cancer.

On Thursday night, the sporting world received unfortunate news: Pelé, one of the most legendary players in the history of professional soccer, had passed away. He was 82 years old. After being hospitalized last month due to worsening colon cancer, Pelé passed away while undergoing treatment “due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition,” according to Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein hospital.

Pelé was often referred to as the “king of football,” leading the Brazilian team to victory at three World Cups and establishing the country’s reputation for its soccer skill. A funeral is scheduled to be held this coming Monday, where Pelé’s casket will be carted through his home town of Santos before reaching its final resting place.

“All that we are is thanks to you,” his daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram. “We love you endlessly. Rest in peace.”

“The king has passed,” wrote his agent, Joe Fraga.

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro declared that the country would observe three official days of mourning for Pelé’s memory, adding that the soccer star was “a great citizen and patriot, raising the name of Brazil wherever he went.”