What Happened to Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé)?

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally known as Pelé, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. His extraordinary talent for football became evident at a young age, leading him to join Santos FC at 15 and the Brazilian national team at 16. He quickly rose to international fame, leading Brazil to three FIFA World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970, a feat unmatched by any other player. His career was marked by prolific goal-scoring, with a Guinness World Record of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies.

After retiring from professional football in 1977, following a stint with the New York Cosmos that significantly boosted soccer's popularity in the United States, Pelé became a global ambassador for the sport and engaged in various humanitarian efforts. He was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999 and co-Player of the Century by FIFA in 2000.

In his later years, Pelé faced significant health challenges. In September 2021, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his colon. His health continued to decline, and in November 2022, he was admitted to the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo for a respiratory infection, aggravated by COVID-19, and for reassessment of his cancer treatment. By early December 2022, his cancer had progressed, affecting his kidneys and heart, and he was moved to palliative care as his body stopped responding to chemotherapy.

Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, at 3:27 p.m. local time, at the age of 82, due to multiple organ failure resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition. His death triggered a worldwide outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders, athletes, and fans, who remembered him as 'O Rei' (The King) and a symbol of the 'Beautiful Game'. Brazil declared three days of national mourning.

His funeral was a multi-day event, beginning with a 24-hour public wake at the Vila Belmiro Stadium, the home of Santos FC, where over 230,000 mourners paid their respects. His coffin was then carried through the streets of Santos in an eight-mile procession, passing by his 100-year-old mother's home, before a private burial at the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica, a vertical cemetery in Santos.

As of 2026, Pelé's legacy remains vibrant. His records, such as being the youngest World Cup winner and the only player to win three World Cups, continue to stand. His hometown of Santos, Brazil, continues to honor him, with the Pelé Museum and murals celebrating his life and career, attracting tourists ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In December 2023, Brazil paid numerous tributes on the first anniversary of his death, including projecting his image onto the Christ the Redeemer statue. In July 2024, Brazil established "King Pelé Day" on November 19, commemorating the date of his 1,000th goal. Humanitarian initiatives, such as a charity match in November 2024, continue to be held in his honor, supporting children's health and education, reflecting his lifelong commitment to social causes.