AS IT HAPPENED
Tributes pour in for Pelé, Brazil's ‘king of football’
Tributes have poured in for Pelé, the "king of football" who died on Thursday at age 82. The footballing legend won a record three World Cups and became one of the most iconic sports figures of the last century. Read FRANCE 24's blog below to see how the world reacted to the announcement of his passing. All times are Paris time (GMT+1).
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- Pelé had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. The medical centre where he had been hospitalised for the past month said he died of multiple organ failure as a result of the cancer.
- Pelé’s daughter announced the death of her football legend father on Instagram, writing “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.”
- Tributes to the man – who was revered for his footballing talent and praised for his compassion off the pitch – have poured in from fellow sports stars, global sporting organisations and others.
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