Football icon Pele passes away due to multiple organ failure

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the greatest athletes to ever set foot on a football pitch just passed away at the age of 82 last December 30, 2022.

Pele, Brazil’s football legend and one of the most influential booters of all time, died due to multiple organ failure as a result of his colon cancer.

Brazil’s “king of soccer” already started receiving treatment for colon cancer in 2021 and would visit medical centers from time to time when his ailment worsened.

Last month, Pele was already admitted to a hospital and was diagnosed with a respiratory infection with complications related to colon cancer.

The Albert Einstein Hospital then issued a statement hours after Pele was confirmed dead by the different medical doctors assigned to him.

The man who became the benchmark of “the beautiful game” will always be remembered for the impact he brought to the sport which also led to his designation as Brazil’s former Minister of Sports.

Pele quickly became Brazil’s superstar after turning heads when he played for football club Santos and was a staple member of the national team.

It was a majestic ride for Pele on the world’s greatest football stage after leading Brazil to three FIFA World Cup championship titles last 1958, 1962, and 1970.

After his career as a professional football player, Pele’s love for the sport never ceased and also became an ambassador for UNESCO and the United Nations.

“Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!” Brazilian football star Neymar posted on Instagram.