Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has died at the age of 82.
According to BBC sports news, the legend died on Thursday night at Sao Paulo hospital.
Pele had been hospitalized at the facility on November 29, 2023 for what his medical team called a re-evaluation of his chemotherapy treatments, which he has been receiving since having surgery to remove a colon tumor in September 2021.
However, since Pele's cancer had progressed, and a statement issued by the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein said he "required greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions" because of the "cancer progression".
On Christmas eve (Saturday), family members visited Pele on Saturday at the Sao Paulo hospital where he is suffering from worsening cancer as well as kidney and heart problems, according to a social media post by his daughter.
Edinho, Pele's son - who was recently appointed coach of Serie B football club Londrina, based in Parana in the north - arrived on Christmas Eve at the medical center, where he joined his sisters Flavia and Kely Nascimento.
He posted an Instagram photo of himself holding the football star's hand, captioning it: "Father... my strength is yours."
Pele was Brazil's all-time leading men's scorer with 77 goals in 92 games.
Brazil players paid tribute to Pele after their last-16 win over South Korea during the 2022 World Cup, holding up a banner with his name and picture.
Pele 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 is also the only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000.
