Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele has passed away at the age of 82.

He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country. He was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000 and won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970).

President Jair Bolsonaro has declared three days of national mourning. Pele had been suffering from kidney and prostate problems in recent years and had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022 but died on Thursday (January 4, 2023) after succumbing to the conditions he had been struggling with for months.

His daughter Kely Nascimento has kept fans updated on her father’s condition with regular social media updates from hospital. On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body and wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”

Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and it’s not difficult to see why. Over the course of his career, Pele achieved an unprecedented level of success, both on the club and international levels. He won numerous titles and individual awards, and his skill, charisma, and sportsmanship made him a global icon and a beloved figure in the world of football.

One of the reasons Pele stands out as the best-ever football player is his impressive list of accomplishments. He won three World Cup titles with the Brazilian national team, and he helped lead Brazil to victory in the 1970 World Cup, which is widely considered one of the most incredible performances in the history of the tournament. Pele also won numerous club titles, including six Brazilian league titles and two Copa Libertadores titles.

In addition to his success on the pitch, Pele was also known for his technical prowess and his ability to score goals in a variety of ways. He was a powerful and accurate shooter, and he had a keen eye for goal. His skill and vision on the pitch made him a key player for both club and country, and he contributed to his team’s success in several ways.

Pele’s impact on the game of football extended far beyond his personal accomplishments. His charisma and sportsmanship made him a role model and an ambassador for the sport, and he helped to popularize football worldwide. His legacy lives on today, and his influence can still be seen in the way the game is played and celebrated.

In conclusion, Pele was the best-ever football player because of his unparalleled success on the pitch, his technical prowess, and his ability to score goals in a variety of ways. His charisma and sportsmanship made him a beloved figure in the world of football, and his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.