Pele made his World Cup debut at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to ever lift the trophy, which he later won two more times
By Kehinde Okeowo
Football legend, Pele, has passed on at the age of 82.
The three-time World Cup winner had been struggling with health issues for some time before he finally gave up the ghost.
He was admitted to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo on November 29 and recently spent Christmas Day there with his family gathering therein at his bedside.
“He is quite fragile in relation to his mobility,” his son Edinho told Globoesporte in early February.
“He had a hip transplant and did not have a proper, ideal rehabilitation. So, he has this mobility problem, which ends up leading to a certain depression.”
After his death, Pelé’s daughter, Kely on Instagram said: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace. 💔”
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Pele who was born in Tres Coracoes, Brazil, on October 23, 1940, will always be remembered for the great moments over his career, his goals and of course, titles.
The Brazilian legend featured for Santos between 1956 and 1974, netting a momentous 1,087 goals in 1,118 matches and winning numerous titles.
Pele made his debut with Santos at the age of 15 on September 7, 1956, against Cubatao, a match in which he scored a goal.
Less than a year later, the teenager played his first match with the Brazilian national team.
Pele made his World Cup debut in 1958 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to lift the trophy, he went on to win the trophy two more times
In 2013 he received the honorary Ballon d’Or for his successful career.