The greatest footballer of all time has left the field.
Pelé is dead. He died on Thursday evening German time at the age of 82.
An emotional text was posted on the legend’s social media channels on Thursday: “Inspiration and love have marked the journey of King Pélé, who passed away peacefully today. Along his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his athletic genius, stopped a war, did community service around the world, and spread the cure for our problem in what he believed most: love. His message will be a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love forever.”
Edson Arantes do Nascimento (his real name) gave us the greatest football moments of all time, the most beautiful games, the best goals. Now it’s tears.
He won the World Cup three times with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970. An entire nation lay at his feet. Now the whole world is crying.
In 1970, Pelé won his third world title at Aztec Stadium in Mexico City. On that day he finally became immortal
In recent years, the health of the “Footballer of the Century” (he received this award together with Diego Maradona in 1999) has continued to deteriorate.
In 2021 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He didn’t give up. Again and again he tried to calm down worried fans, reported on social media. But he always had to go to the hospital. Again and again the world feared for the Brazilian.
Before Christmas it became known that the chemotherapy would no longer work – and that the metastases had long since spread to the lungs and liver. A shock to the sports world.
Fans have tried to give their idol strength and hope in the past few days. They put up photos in front of the hospital and wished Pele a miracle
But again the football idol turned to the world. With a statement he spoke up:
“My friends, I want everyone to keep calm and positive thoughts. I am strong, full of hope and going about my treatment as usual. I would like to thank the entire medical and nursing team for the good care. I have great faith in God. And every loving message I get from you guys from around the world keeps me energized. And see Brazil at the World Cup too.”
In recent years (here 2020), Pelé has repeatedly reported updates on his health
It was the last football wish of the great Pelés.
But it was not fulfilled.
Pelé wasn’t just a footballer. He was a magician. He did magic, he celebrated the sport. It was the greatest show in the world.
Now her leading actor has left the stage.
