Brazilian football legend Pele dies at 82
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After a battle with disease, Pele dies, sparking a wave of condolences from around the world.
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Brazilian football legend Pele
Three-time Brazilian world football champion Pele died at the age of 82 on Thursday, according to his daughter Kely Nascimento.
"Everything we have is thanks to you. We love you endlessly. Rest in peace," Kely Nascimento wrote in an Instagram post.
Pele was "born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint," as per his famous quote.
During his 22-year professional career, Pele appeared in more than 1,300 matches and scored almost as many goals.
In September 2021, Pele was diagnosed with a colon tumor and was hospitalized the year later twice for treatment of three malignant tumors and a urinary tract infection.
Read: Pelé’s daughter shares moving photos in hospital
Last month, Pele underwent non-elective hospitalization with general swelling of the body, including heart failure. It was later reported that his body stopped responding to chemotherapy and that the football legend was provided with palliative care.
In a post on Pele's official Instagram account, a statement read that Pele "enchanted the world with his genius in sport" and helped to spread a message of love.
View this post on Instagram
Tributes for 'King Pele'
Football clubs posted their condolences, including Chelsea FC, Manchester United and England's national football team, in addition to Croatia's football federation.
Pele's death ignited a wave of condolences from everywhere.
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo posted offered his condolences to the people of Brazil on his Instagram page, saying the death of "King Pele" has sent great "pain" throughout the football world.
"The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten," Mbappe wrote.
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
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