1/20
Pelé says Adeus: The football legend has passed away.
Pelé has had to be hospitalized again and again in recent years. About three years ago, the three-time world champion had to have a kidney stone removed because of a urinary tract infection. Several hip surgeries later become necessary. The 92-time Brazilian international also complains of problems with his spine and knees.
In September 2021 the long period of suffering of the legend begins. During a routine examination, the doctors discover a tumor in the colon and have to partially remove it. Due to complications, he has to be transferred to the intensive care unit for a short time, and he stays in the hospital for a total of almost four weeks. In the months that followed, he repeatedly had to undergo chemotherapy. At the end of November 2022, the condition then deteriorated rapidly.
Pelé has swelling all over his body. Because he also seems restless and confused, his wife Marcia Aoki delivers him to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo. Doctors diagnose heart problems and reevaluate his colon cancer. But the state of health is stable.
With the World Cup in Qatar in full swing, disturbing news comes out of Brazil. Brazilian media reports that Pelé is in critical condition because chemotherapy for colon cancer is not working. He reacts to the rumors, reassuring his more than 13 million followers with an Instagram post. “My friends, I want everyone to remain calm and positive. I’m strong, I have a lot of hope and I’m following my treatment as usual.”
Pelé reports again on his Instagram channel. Ahead of the Seleçao round of 16, he wishes the team all the best. He is silent about his state of health, the media report a respiratory infection. Meanwhile, Brazilian fans in Qatar wave a flag with a get well wish. Superstars Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé also wish Pele all the best.
Pelé is happy on Instagram about the spectacular final of the World Cup, congratulates the Argentine national team on winning the World Cup. “Diego must be smiling somewhere.”
Shortly before Christmas, Pelé is hospitalized again. The cancer is progressing, the 82-year-old needs “more and more care to treat kidney and heart failure”. Two of his daughters announce that their father will probably have to spend the holidays in the hospital.
The fears come true. The seriously ill Pelé spends Christmas Eve in the hospital. His daughter Kelly Nascimento posts a picture hugging the football legend on the hospital bed. “We carry on, in struggle and in faith. One more night together, »she writes, confirming the rumors about the death of the legend.
The concerns of the football world are not diminishing. The only three-time world champion also has to spend Christmas Day in the hospital. This at least in the circle of his closest relatives. Because in the meantime one of the sons has also joined his siblings. Whether they can give Pelé strength – or just to say goodbye?
At 3:27 p.m. local time (7:27 p.m. Swiss time), Pelé’s heart stopped beating, and the death message went around the world. His daughter Kely Nascimento says goodbye to Instagram with an emotional post: “We love you infinitely.” The football legend has passed away forever at the age of 82.
Pelé’s farewell message: «Love, love and love, forever»
Pelé left one final message to the world before his death. “His message today will become a legacy for future generations,” said the social media accounts of the Brazilian football icon, who died on Thursday at the age of 82: “Love, love and love, forever.”
On his journey, Pelé “enchanted the world with his genius”, stopped a war, did social work worldwide and spread what he believed most to be the cure for all our problems: love:”
Pelé left one final message to the world before his death. “His message today will become a legacy for future generations,” said the social media accounts of the Brazilian football icon, who died on Thursday at the age of 82: “Love, love and love, forever.”
On his journey, Pelé “enchanted the world with his genius”, stopped a war, did social work worldwide and spread what he believed most to be the cure for all our problems: love:”