Rags-to-riches Brazilian soccer legend Pele dies

| Pele, the legendary Brazilian soccer player who rose from barefoot poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in modern history, died on Thursday at the age of 82.

“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today,” it read, adding he had “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”. He took home three World Cup winner’s medals, the first time as a 17-year-old in Sweden in 1958, the second in Chile four years later – even though he missed most of the tournament through injury – and the third in Mexico in 1970, when he led what is considered to be one of the greatest sides ever to play the game.

Pele was named “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee, co-“Football Player of the Century” by world soccer body FIFA, and a “national treasure” by Brazil’s government.His celebrity was often overwhelming. Grown adults broke down crying in his presence with regularity. Souvenir-seeking fans often rushed the field following games when he played and tore off his shorts, socks and even underwear.

LordChester33 My childhood hero, what an amazingly gifted footballer and great man. Brought the beautiful game to millions. Inspirational. RIP Legend

uma tristeza tremenda perder um homem que fez história no futebol, descanse em paz, sempre lembraremos de você

R.I.P. 🇧🇷 legend champion

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