The sports world lost an iconic figure on Thursday. Soccer legend Pelé passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 82. Tributes have come around from the world after the legendary soccer player’s passing. One came from former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Obama tweeted on Thursday, “Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”
Pelé is one of the most iconic sports figures of all time. He won three FIFA World Cups, something no male player has ever done before or after. He also was the recipient of the Ballon d’Or Award seven times throughout his illustrious career.
The Brazilian superstar is a legend in his country, South America, and all over the world for all who love the game. He indisputably left an indelible mark on the game and on the sports world.
Pelé battled bowel cancer until he passed on Wednesday. The icon’s sister posted on her Instagram recently that her brother wasn’t getting better. She said that there were times of “sadness and despair” for her and her family around him as he was in hospice care.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022