Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ dies at 82

RIP Edson Arantes do Nascimento THE GOAT of soccer

Absolutely heartbreaking news. It seems the little legend had been holding on in recent months in the hope of seeing his nation lift that Cup again. But it wasn't to be.

Brazilians eeverywhere will be devastated. Condolences to them. Rest well, Pele. The Heaven 11 has now picked up a new striker and captain.

Pele was from a day when Brazilian football meant joy, life, harmony, beauty and even wonder; it transcended football. He symbolised it. Imagine peak Pele in the wonderful 1982 Brazil team, that still lights up eyes, despite their ultimate failure in that world cup. In death, we should remember the sublime exuberance he represented. We need more of that.

A master of the great game has passed after a battle with cancer. Few will ever be held in the same regard, and fewer greats will win 3 world cups. Even those who know little of the sport know the name Pele. His legend will grow even larger with the passing of time.

RIP Pelé.

Was the superstar of Brazilian sides which won 3 out of 4 World Cups.

Some going.

RIP legend.

The greatest.

Rest in peace

kaimycahlToday  06:20 am JST

RIP Edson Arantes do Nascimento THE GOAT of soccer

A Michael Jordan of soccer/football. Even if you weren't a fan or knew anything about this sport, you knew the name. It will stand out for all to remember, forever.

And I remember the name even as an elementary school kid, if for nothing else - you knew the name. Hank Aaron (Oh Henry!), Archie Griffin (from my hometown and university!), the 'Super' Dolphins, Chris Evert (an early crush of mine), and Pele.

All things must pass, that's a fact. And it's sad to see such an icon from my youth pass away. May Pele RIP, the legacy is forever.

Escape to Victory!

A very nice man. My mother met him once and she really liked him.

RIP

He was great.

The greatest player of all time. 1000 goals. Three world cups. National treasure.

He was born to play and entertain.

Obrigado (Thank You), Pele!!

RIP

I didn't watch soccer until he came to the Cosmos. That was such a phenomenon! Peaceful journey, GOAT. RIP.

What a legend! RIP.

Simply incredible for him to have such impact despite not playing in Europe and only appearing before most people once every four years at the World Cup.

When he was a young player, he had to deal with several challenges that modern players wouldn't be able to deal with it. Back 1950s and late 1970s, the soccer was way different than today. Players had to play with heavy ball on fields that was not proper to play (full of holes). In addition to that, their football boots were not confortable as it is today.

Despite of all of this challenge, he(Pelé) was able to overcome everything and, to become the best soccer player ever.

“ Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, in the small city of Tres Coracoes in the interior of Minas Gerais state on Oct. 23, 1940, Pelé grew up shining shoes to buy his modest soccer gear. Pelé’s talent drew attention when he was 11, and a local professional player brought him to Santos’ youth squads. It didn’t take long for him to make it to the senior squad. “

What an incredible story!

..

“ In the conversation about soccer’s greatest players, only the late Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are mentioned alongside Pelé. “

It’s a complex/complicated discussion; different times, there’s always some “what if”, but Pelé’s power transcended sports; and yes, he never played in Europe, but three World Cups and more than one thousand goals, it’s unbelievable; we can… we should… call him the GOAT.

..

“ The player who would be dubbed “The King” was introduced to the world at 17 at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, the youngest player ever at the tournament. “

He really was The King (!);

Rest In Peace, Pelé.

Neither me nor hardly anyone in my schools knew anything about soccer (this being the US) but EVERYONE knew who Pele was. He was the first real international star, along with Ali, that I learned of. I like him a lot.

RIP. He lived to a ripe old age and did his best in life. Hope he had few if any regrets. The man was a legend for sure, and will be missed.

RIP.

The master.

Pelé added beauty to the Beautiful Game. RIP Sir. Strength and courage to all his loved ones.

That smile was infectious!

RIP King Pele. Thanks for the memories..

I do wonder who the sad individual is going through and marking each comment with a negative.

RIP Pelé, a true rags to riches story through hard work and dedication to the sport he loved.

Too bad he wasn’t able to play in Europe, but I can imagine the chants he would have received there. Can’t believe it still happens.

Too bad he wasn’t able to play in Europe, but I can imagine the chants he would have received there. Can’t believe it still happens

Trash rightists chant those things for the most part.

The right does produce crap like that.

Anyway, back to things that matter. Is it fair to say Pele and Ali are the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century?

Players had to play with heavy ball on fields that was not proper to play (full of holes).

In my school days, footballs were made from heavy leather with a rubber bladder inside which at to be pumped up at the start of a game.

Pele was more dominant among other players of his time, compared to Maradona, and Messi in comparison with their peers.

JimizoDec. 30  10:01 pm JST

Anyway, back to things that matter. Is it fair to say Pele and Ali are the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century?

Absolutely the case (although in the early half of the 20th c. maybe Jim Thorpe, Babe Ruth, or Jesse Owens might stake that claim).

Jim Thorpe

Had to use Google.

Babe Ruth

Baseball is a sport with very limited appeal around the world. Big fish in a small pond.

Jessie Owens

Decent shout.