Legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé dies
President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the world in sharing their grief following the passing of global football icon and social activist, Pelé.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento passed away at the age of 82 after an extended illness on Thursday, December 28.
“President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathy to Pelé’s family and friends and to the government and people of Brazil. The President has expressed his condolences in letters to President Jair Bolsonaro as well as incoming President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday, December 30.
The only three-time FIFA World Cup champion, Pelé dazzled both fans and competitors alike with a skillful and entertaining style of play that made him a global star and icon of excellence in football.
He was a campaigner for improved social conditions in his home country and internationally, and served as Minister of Sport in Brazil from January 1995 to April 1998.
“During the eight decades of his life, Pelé not only filled football stadiums with exhilaration but he filled hearts and homes with hope and the knowledge that adversity was surmountable,” said the President.
“He was a global inspiration who embodied the best that sport has to offer as an exhibition of physical endeavour and as a means to transform individuals and entire societies from within.
“His endurance and impact on the field of play inspired the resilience with which Pelé worked for peace and justice globally.
“Pelé will be missed by multiple generations of people worldwide who were touched by his life even if they never set foot in a stadium,” said President Ramaphosa.
Pelé visited South Africa in 1995 and met President Nelson Mandela.
According to the Presidency, the two global figures expressed profound admiration for one another based on their common social and political causes.
Biography of Pelé
Pelé was a legendary Brazilian professional footballer who was widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil and Santos FC. Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Pelé began his professional career with Santos FC in 1956 and played with the club until 1974.
During this time, he helped lead the team to numerous victories, including two Copa Libertadores and three Intercontinental Cups. Pelé also played for the Brazilian national team, leading them to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Pelé was known for his skill, speed, and powerful shots on goal. He was also known for his creative playmaking abilities and his ability to score goals from various positions on the field.
In addition to his success on the pitch, Pelé was also a popular and influential figure off the field. He was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994 and was inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2006.
Despite retiring from professional football in 1977, Pelé remained a prominent figure in the sport and was widely respected and admired by fans and players alike.
