Pelé looses life's battle to cancer

    Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele)

By Bernadette Idalu
Despite battling cancer and loosing the battle of life, Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, Pele undoubtedly leaves behind fragments and fond memories of his soccer prowess. This is buffed by the steadfastness of his daughter who despite providing psychosocial support, filled a vacuum,  making short video updates thereby documenting the last moments of Pele from his hospital bed. 

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940 in Três Corações, about 250 kilometers northwest of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian football legend Pelé, made a date with destiny when he signed with Santos at the age of 15yrs. He was part of Brazil’s national team by16yrs. He made his World Cup debut at 17yrs in 1958, scoring a goal in his first match. He is reputed to have been the youngest player to score in the men’s World Cup and even score three goals in one game. He led his national team to an unprecedented three World Cup titles- 1958, 1962 and 1970.

He was named FIFA’s co-player of the 20th century along with Argentina’s Diego Maradona. After retiring from Santos and international duty, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League in 1975 and played three seasons there.

He was hospitalized in late November. Doctors revealed in December that he was dealing with cancer that had advanced along with kidney and cardiac problems. In September 2021, he had surgery to remove a tumor from his colon.

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