SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82. The standard-bearer of “the beautiful game” had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. The medical center where he had been hospitalized for the last month said he died of multiple organ failure as a result of the cancer. “All that we are is thanks to you,” his daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram. “We love you endlessly. Rest in peace.” His agent, Joe Fraga, confirmed his death: “The king has passed.” Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team. His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans. He orchestrated a fast, fluid style that revolutionized the sport — a samba-like flair that personified his country’s elegance on the field. He carried Brazil to soccer’s heights and became a global ambassador for his sport in a journey that began on the streets of Sao Paulo state, where he would kick a sock stuffed with newspapers or rags. https://apnews.com/article/pele-soccer-star-dead-f2c5f7d2771b96dbd854cb025ab2563a
My wife and I were at that game. We were newly weds with almost no money and the Timbers were an affordable option (somehow we even scraped up enough out of the ashtrays and couches to afford season tickets. The Timbers experience was most of our social life for several years). I just remember focusing on Pele the entire game. He was past his prime but still better than pretty much everyone else in the league. Watching him play is still on my Top Ten list. He was the soccer version of Jordan, Kobe and LeBron all rolled into one.......and then some. Watching him was like watching a man amongst boys. One of the world's all time best (if not THE best) athletes. RIP to a genuine legend.
Love it! My parents had seasons tickets.... late 70s- early 80s. Right above the Jantzen Lady's ass....always thought that was pretty cool!
