Soccer’s All Time Icon Pelé Dies at 82

Pelé, who was for many years one of the most well-known athletes in the world and was widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, passed away on Thursday in his native Brazil following a battle with colon cancer. He was 82.

According to the Associated Press, his agent Joe Fraga today officially announced his passing.

As his health deteriorated, Pelé spent several weeks in the hospital. As his condition worsened, his daughter Kely Nascimento shared the experience with followers on social media. She shared a picture of herself holding her father in his hospital bed just before Christmas.

The caption, written in Portuguese, read: “We continue to be here, in the fight and in faith. One more night together.”

According to reports, Pelé had checked himself into a palliative care facility at a hospital in Brazil where he was receiving treatment for his cancer and a lung infection. His cancer has progressed, and the AP reported last week that he was receiving “elevated care” for renal and cardiac problems.