Pele was hospitalized on November 29. He had been regularly receiving hospital care since September 2021, when a tumor was removed from his colon.
His daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed his death in a post on Instagram, sharing a picture of the family holding the hands of the late football giant.
“We love you endlessly. Rest in peace,” she wrote.
In a post on Pele’s official Instagram account, a statement read that Pele “enchanted the world with his genius in sport” and helped to spread a message of love.
“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever,” the post reads.
Tributes pour in for ‘King Pele’
Pele’s death sparked a wave of condolences from around the world, with the government of Brazil declaring three days of mourning for the late star.
Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva posted an extended tribute to Pele on Twitter, writing how he felt privileged to have seen the late star in action.
“There was never a Number 10 like him,” Lula wrote, referencing the number Pele wore while playing for Brazil’s national team.
Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. wrote that “Pele changed everything,” giving a voice to the poor, to Black people and giving visibility to Brazil.
Brazil’s CBF football federation said Pele “gave us a new Brazil and we can only thank him for his legacy.”
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute on his Instagram page, offering his condolences to the people of Brazil, saying the death of “King Pele” has sent great “pain” throughout the football world.
