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By: Ivan Calvin Sharpe. @CalvinIvanShar2
The footballing world held its breadth as Pelé passed on after losing a long battle with colon cancer. Pelé, who is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, died Thursday December 29, 2022 at 82 at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, Sāo Paulo, Brazil.
The legend had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021 and had been hospitalized for the last month with multiple ailments.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940 in Três Coraçoes, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Pelé was a three-time world champion with the Brazilian national side in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
For almost two decades, Pelé played for Santos FC, the club with which he won numerous trophies including two Libertadores Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and six times the Brasileirao, among many other titles. Later in his career, he won a North American Soccer League with the New York Cosmos.
During his career he scored a total of 1,282 goals and was capped 113 times by Brazil.
‘Pelé is eternal!’: Tributes pour in from soccer stars, world leaders
“Before Pelé, ‘10’ was just a number,” Neymar wrote in Portuguese on his Instagram account. “I read that phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But that sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say that before Pelé, football was just a sport.
“A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that currently embraces the entire world of football,” Ronaldo wrote in Portuguese. “An inspiration for so many millions. … He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on forever in each of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pelé.”
Also hailing Pelé as the “king” was Kylian Mbappé, who scored three goals for France in the World Cup final and also converted in a shootout that went to Argentina. Mbappé’s heroics had garnered accolades earlier this month from Pelé, who referred to the 24-year-old Frenchman as “my dear friend” while saluting Messi and Co. for an “enthralling” triumph.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten,” Mbappé wrote Thursday.
Pelé visited Ghana on May 8, 1971.
He was invited to Ghana by the government which scheduled a number of exhibition games to help advance local football.
Pelé was greeted by a large crowd of admirers at the airport and had a cordial welcome during his stay in the country.
During his trip to Ghana, he attended several events and activities intended to promote the sport, including meetings with local football clubs and representatives from the government.
Ghana’s own legendary footballer Abedi Ayew was nicknamed ‘Pele’ because of his prowess in soccer in comparison with the Brazilian.
He was invited to Ghana by the government which scheduled a number of exhibition games to help advance local football.
Pelé was greeted by a large crowd of admirers at the airport and had a cordial welcome during his stay in the country.
During his trip to Ghana, he attended several events and activities intended to promote the sport, including meetings with local football clubs and representatives from the government.
Soccer Journalist and historian David Yaw Owusu Antwi writes about this photograph (left): “It was in1968 at the Accra Sports stadium. This game was between Hearts of Oak and Santos of Brazil. It ended 3-3. Abeka Ankrah scored two goals, and Amusa Gbadamoshie scored the other. Pele was so impressed with Abeka Ankrah, he took pictures with both of them separately.”
Ghana’s own legendary footballer Abedi Ayew was nicknamed ‘Pele’ because of his prowess in soccer in
Abedi Pele was a true source of inspiration to many footballers. Is so sad he is not alive to consider his legacy.
This is a different Pele, Jacqueline. Abedi Pele got his name from him.
He is truly a legend no doubt about that,his memory will forever live on both in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
He really played his hearts out to the world. To us he is a legend but to the world a hero. May his soul rest in peace
A Global Soccer star has left us but he’s legend will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.
I couldn’t get the chance to watch Pele play, but through YouTube videos I got to see glemps of his astonishing ability in football. Well an icon is gone but his memories would leave a long lasting print in the football World. R. I. P PELE.
It is very sad the world football has loss such a great personality. I couldn’t get to watch him play live on television but YouTube gave me an avenue to watch most of his incredible moments. He was a great legend and he still resides in the heart of we the football lovers. May He rest well.
Pele, was a genius and the king of football of all times. Has really be an inspirational to the youngsters and the aged as well. Pele should be celebrated in all football nation. The country Ghana must emulate his love for the game by putting in more infrastructure and encourage the upcoming young one learn from him. “Pele the king of football”