How did Pele die? Family mourns Brazil's 82-year-old soccer legend: 'Everything we are is because of you'
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: Legendary Brazil footballer Pele whose health had been deteriorating in the last few weeks, died at 82. Originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the 'king of soccer' from the last century has won the World Cup three times, becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
The legend was transferred to Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital on November 29 after a cardiac and renal dysfunction and also for “re-evaluation of the chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer which was diagnosed in September 2021,” according to an official statement
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Sharing the news of the footballer, his daughter Kelly Nascimento shared an image of the family holding hands with the legend on his hospital bed and wrote "Everything we are is because of you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace" with three heartbroken emojis.
The soccer icon will be buried at Vila Belmiro in Santos where a vigil will be conducted. Details about his funeral have not yet been made public. Apparently, he had been undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer, according to the Daily Mail.
The hospital's medical staff determined his condition of anasarca (general swelling), an edemigemic syndrome (general edema), and also identified 'decompensated heart failure'. Along with confirming his medical conditions, it was also revealed that the soccer player's chemotherapy treatment no longer worked. He was reportedly restless and upon entering the hospital, he was diagnosed with mental confusion as well.
On October 23, the footballer shared a gratitude post on social media on his 82nd birthday as he wrote: "On my birthday, I just want to express my gratitude. Life is good. Turning 82 with my family, in good health, is the best gift. Thank you for everything I have received."
Posting a picture on Instagram of him with his current wife Aoki Marcia alongside, Pele thanked his wife and also updated on his health condition. "I send this photo to you, just to say thank you. I am so grateful for my wife, for the laughs, for the peace of my home, and for all your loving messages," he wrote.
"I am doing very well and taking care of my health. I had to post this as there is fake news circulating on this subject. Of course, I am disappointed, but that won't let me down. I'm winning this match. Thank you very much!" he added.
As per the Daily Mail report, Pele had been undergoing treatment for a colon tumor that was medically removed last September. On February 13, he then returned to Sao Paulo's Albert hospital. He reportedly became weak and gradually had eating and speaking difficulty after he contracted a urinary infection during his stay at the hospital and underwent an endoscopy.
The sports icon congratulated Lionel Messi and Argentina on winning the World Cup in Qatar on December 18 and appreciating Mbappe of France, he wrote: "Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved. My dear friend, Mbappé, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport. And I couldn't fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It's great to see Africa shine. Congratulations Argentina! Certainly, Diego is smiling now."
Following his glorious professional career, the soccer star served as an ambassador for the 'beautiful game' for years after his retirement and has also held the position of Brazil's minister of sport.
Along with his third wife Marcia Aoki, the footballer is survived by his five children named Kelly, 54, Edinho, 50, Jennifer, 42 with his first wife Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, and twins Joshua and Celeste, 24 with his second wife Assiria Lemos Seixas.