Soccer Legend Pelé Passes Away at Age 81
Soccer legend Pelé passed away at age 81 on April 4th 2021 leaving behind an incredible legacy both on and off the field that will be remembered forever by fans around the world.
Dec. 30, 2022 2:09AM
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A black-and-white photo of Pelé wearing a Brazil jersey kicking a soccer ball into a goal net surrounded by cheering fans
The world of soccer and the global sports community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. The three-time World Cup champion passed away on April 4th at the age of 81. Pelé was born in 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil and began playing professionally for Santos FC when he was just 15 years old. He quickly rose to fame and became a household name due to his incredible skill on the pitch. He went on to win three World Cups with Brazil, scoring 12 goals in 14 matches throughout his international career. He also scored an impressive 643 goals during his time with Santos FC and is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Throughout his life, Pelé used his platform to advocate for social justice and promote peace through sports. In 1978 he received the UNICEF Golden Globe Award for “his commitment to children’s rights around the world” and in 1995 he was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador “for promoting sport as a tool for education, development and peace”. Pelé's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans around the world who have taken to social media to express their sadness over losing such an iconic figure in sports history. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him during this difficult time.