Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, was a three-time World Cup champion and legendary player for Brazil. He died at the age of 82 after a vain battle with cancer. On Thursday in his hometown of Sao Paulo, he said his final goodbyes to his family and friends at the Albert Einstein Hospital.
Pele, widely regarded as the best player to ever play the game, became well-known after joining Santos at the age of 15. Pele scored six goals at the massive international event, including twice in the championship match to give his nation its first World Cup victory. At the age of just 17, he achieved a historic feat by being the youngest player to ever score in the World Cup final and win the prized trophy. Over the course of four competitions, he scored 12 goals and helped Brazil win three titles.
Pele‘s mostly scandal-free playing career elevated him to godlike reputation in the game, despite the fact that another South American hero, Diego Maradona, provided fierce competition for his legacy. After his tragic passing, the entire world was in mourning, for the legend who introduced the world to the sport.
Following Pele’s untimely passing, this is how Twitter reacted:
