Soccer legend Pele dies at 82
(VOVWORLD) - Pele, the legendary Brazilian soccer player who rose from barefoot poverty to become one of the greatest and best-known athletes in modern history, died on Thursday at the age of 82.
 (Photo: Nikkei Asia) |
Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital, where Pele was undergoing treatment, said he died at 3:27 p.m (local time) "due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition."
Pele is the only man to win the World Cup three times as a player. In a glorious 21-year career he scored more than 1,200 goals.
He was named "Athlete of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee, co-"Football Player of the Century" by world soccer body FIFA, and a "national treasure" by Brazil's government.