Jakarta, IO – The sporting world is mourning the passing of Pele, undeniably one of world’s greatest soccer players. He breathed his last at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday (30/12).
His death was confirmed by his manager Joe Fraga. The hospital where Pele was treated, Israelita Albert Einstein, said he died from multiple organ failure caused by colon cancer, reported The New York Times.
Pele has been receiving treatment for cancer in recent years. He was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago for treatment of various illnesses, including a respiratory infection.
The New York Times called him “a transformative figure in 20th-century sport” who is loved around the world. He is also hailed as a figure that transcends football, showing that it was possible to overcome difficulties and racism that was still pervasive back then.