Pele, Brazil’s mighty king of soccer, the ‘beautiful game,’ breathed his last on 29 December, 2022, leaving his admirers in a state of shock and dismay. “Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment,” Neymar, a fellow Brazilian soccer star, said on Instagram. “Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!” He died of complications following colon cancer at the age of 82. The funeral was held , with his casket carried through the streets of Santos, the coastal city where his illustrious career began, before burial.

Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team. His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans....

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