https://www.yahoo.com/sports/pele-t...n-national-treasure-dies-at-82-190426625.htmlThe boy who’d become king was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on Oct. 23, 1940, in Tres Coracoes, a modest municipality in southeastern Brazil. He was raised 300 miles to the west in Bauru by his parents, Celeste Arantes and João Ramos do Nascimento, a housewife and a professional soccer player. Dad taught little Edson the sport.
They initially called him “Dico.” The nickname that stuck, “Pelé,” was a schoolboy creation. Edson’s classmates derived it from his mispronunciation of “Bilé,” a pro goalkeeper. Edson initially hated the name. “On one occasion, I punched a classmate because of it,” he’d later recall. But he eventually came around.
He honed his skills, meanwhile, on dusty pitches surrounded by neighborhood companions. When they didn’t have a ball to kick about, they made one, perhaps by stuffing a sock with newspaper and tying it tight with a string, or perhaps by converting a grapefruit.
As an absolute football nut it was always Best and Pele for me. Amazing technique, dedication and above all grace and beauty.Astronuc said:Pelé (Oct 23, 1940 - Dec 29, 2022) had been on palliative care for some time. Playing for Brazil, he won 3 World Cups, and during his career scored an impressive (and apparently disputed) 1281 goals, mostly with his Santos team.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/pele-t...n-national-treasure-dies-at-82-190426625.html
RIO DE JANEIRO — The soccer star Edson Arantes do Nascimento — known around the world as Pelé — has died at 82. He'd been battling complications from colon cancer and had been admitted into a hospital in São Paulo last month.
One of his daughters, Kely Nascimento, announced his death on Instagram — showing a picture of his family's hands holding his hand. "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."
Pelé was soccer's global face for decades and is regarded by many as its best player of all time. He rose from humble beginnings in rural Brazil to eternalize a powerful and creative style of play.
Pelé, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was a Brazilian professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He played for the Brazilian national team and various club teams throughout his career.
Pelé passed away on July 20, 2021 at the age of 82 due to complications from a urinary tract infection. He had been in poor health for several years and had been hospitalized multiple times.
Pelé had a long and illustrious career in football, scoring over 1,000 goals and winning numerous titles with both his club and national team. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups and is the all-time leading scorer for the Brazilian national team.
Pelé's impact on the sport of football cannot be overstated. He helped popularize the game around the world and inspired countless players with his skill and creativity on the field. He also broke many barriers and paved the way for future generations of players, especially in terms of racial equality.
Pelé will be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time and a true legend of the sport. His contributions to the game and his impact on the world will continue to be celebrated and honored for generations to come.