The three-time World Cup champion and Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who rose to fame internationally and held the record for highest team athlete salary at the time, has passed away. He was 82.
Kely Nascimento, his daughter, posted a notice of his passing on Instagram on Thursday.
As he aged, Pelé’s health had been declining.
In late December, medical staff at So Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital reported that he was receiving “elevated care” for “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions” brought on by the cancer he had already been battling for more than a year.
He also developed a respiratory infection, and his family informed him that he would spend the Christmas break in the hospital.
“King Pelé travelled with inspiration and love, and he died away quietly.
