Pele has sadly died aged 82 after a battle with cancer. The Brazilian legend is regarded by many to be the greatest footballer ever and had won three World Cups by the time he was 30 years old.
He had spent the last three weeks in hospital as doctors re-evaluated his treatment after being diagnosed with colon cancer in September last year. The global icon now stands level with Neymar as Brazil's all-time top goalscorer after netting 77 goals in 92 appearances.
Pele's recent hospitalisation led to an outpouring of support from the football community, with Brazil fans and players holding up tifos and banners wishing him well again at the World Cup earlier this month. Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were also among those who wished the 82-year-old a speedy recovery.
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The famous forward was due to spend Christmas at Sao Paulo's Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, having recently undergone a review of his chemotherapy treatment. A hospital statement had said Pele needed 'greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions' because of the "cancer progression".
A statement on Pele's Instagram confirmed the sad news on Thursday evening.
"Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today," it read. "On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
"Love, love and love, forever."
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