Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who won three World Cups and became the sport’s first global icon, has died at the age of 82. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Três Corações, Brazil, and his family moved to the city of Bauru in São Paulo. As a child, he played soccer barefoot with socks and rags rolled up into a ball. At 15, he signed with the Brazilian team Santos and scored his first goal for the club side before his 16th birthday. He went on to score 619 times over 638 appearances for the club, and in 1975, he signed a $1.67-million-a-year contract in the United States with the New York Cosmos.
Pelé’s feats in the iconic yellow jersey of Brazil are best remembered, as he helped his country win the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He scored Brazil’s only goal in the country’s quarterfinal victory against Wales, then netted a hat-trick in the semifinal against France and two in the final against host Sweden. In the final – a 4-1 victory against Italy – Brazil scored arguably the most famous World Cup goal of all time, a sweeping, length-of-the-pitch move involving nine of the team’s 10 outfield players.
Pelé’s larger-than-life personality and extraordinary dribbling skills made him a global superstar, and his legacy will live on. He served as a Goodwill UNICEF ambassador, promoting peace and support for vulnerable children. He was honored by Time magazine as one of the “100 Persons of the Century” in 1999, and he was recognized by FIFA as Player of the Century, alongside Diego Maradona.
The soccer world mourned the loss of Pelé, with many expressing their condolences and admiration for the Brazilian legend. Cristiano Ronaldo said “a mere ‘goodbye’ … will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.” Kylian Mbappé said on Twitter: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.” André Ceciliano, the state deputy of Rio de Janeiro, called Pelé the “greatest Brazilian sporting idol of all time.”
Pelé’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote in a post on Instagram: “Everything that we are, is thanks to you. Thank you for everything.” Pelé’s legacy will be remembered forever, and his message will remain a legacy for future generations. He said, “If I pass away one day, I am happy because I tried to do my best.” Rest in peace, King.
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