Brazilian soccer legend Pele dies aged 82

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has died, aged 82.

The three-time World Cup winner’s death was confirmed by his manager.

He had been fighting colon cancer since 2021 when he had a tumour removed.

His health had deteriorated significantly over the past week, he was surrounded by loved ones when he died.

Pele’s career spanned 21 years, he scored over 1,200 goals across official and unofficial matches. 

Pele’s influence was so special that in 1967, in the midst of Nigeria’s civil war, both sides stopped for a two-day truce to watch Pele play. 

He’s regarded by many as the greatest soccer player in the history of the sport.

Former US soccer player and teammate of Pele at the New York Cosmos, Joseph Fink, told 3AW Breakfast his impact on the game in the United States was huge.

“Everywhere we travelled there was international press corp that was asking questions,” he said.

“Before that we had maybe three or four people follow us for games, local writers and so on.

“That group took off – 40 to 50 people – every time we played a game.

“His impact was immense.”

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Photo: Getty / Franck Fife