BREAKING: Football world loses a hero as Pele dies at 82

Brazil football legend Pele has died at the age of 82 after long battle with cancer.

The football icon who was regarded as one of the best players ever to play the game and a winner of three World Cups, had been battling cancer for a number of years.

The former striker passed away at Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, with his daughter Kely Nascimento confirming his death on Thursday evening National Daily learnt.

The former striker had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been in and out of hospital for regular treatment since then.

He spent his last days surrounded by his family who remained by his bedside over the Christmas period.

‘Everything we are is because of you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,’ a message from his daughter shared on Instagram read.

A message shared through Pele’s personal Twitter account said: ‘Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.

‘On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

‘His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.

‘Love, love and love, forever.’

Pele, full name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, made his club debut for Santos at the age of 15, scoring 643 goals in 659 appearances during a golden era for the club.

An international level, Pele was an iconic figure of the game in the 1950s and 1960s and remains the only player to have won three World Cups, scoring 77 goals in 91 appearances for the national team.

His record of 1279 goals in 1363 appearances in all games including friendlies is recognised as a Guinness World Record.