Death of Pelé: Former New York Cosmos team pays tribute to Brazilian icon's 'priceless' legacy

Pelé leaves an "invaluable" legacy after changing football with his "sportsmanship and genius", Brazil's former club New York Cosmos said on Thursday.

The three-time World Cup winner has been confirmed dead by the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo after he suffered multiple organ failure.

Pélé had battled colon cancer before his death, with his family traveling to be by his side earlier in December after he was transferred to hospice care when his body stopped responding to treatment.
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The 82-year-old has received numerous tributes from top sportsmen, clubs and various organizations following his iconic career with Brazil and Santos.

He scored 643 goals in 659 games over an 18-year spell for Brazilian side Santos before representing Cosmos between 1975 and 1977.

"The New York Cosmos family, past and present, mourns the loss of sports icon Pelé," read a statement from the Cosmos, for whom the forward played in the North American Football League .

"In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei gave fans many legendary moments on the field, including winning the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1977.

"During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pelé helped transform the national football landscape. Where there were once baseball fields, now there were also football fields.

"The Cosmos and its King not only sparked a sports revolution in America, but they also traveled the world to spread the gospel of the beautiful game, representing the most global city in the world game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China and Japan, where their visits remain a treasured part of local sporting tradition.

"His last game as a professional footballer was on October 1, 1977, in front of a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a worldwide television audience.

"Pelé played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos. Pelé's name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius.
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"His lasting impact on the sport of football is invaluable. Rest in peace, O Rei."

Sports Dec 30, 2022 0 32 Add to Reading List

Death of Pelé: Former New York Cosmos team pays tribute to Brazilian icon's 'priceless' legacy

Pelé leaves an "invaluable" legacy after changing football with his "sportsmanship and genius", Brazil's former club New York Cosmos said on Thursday.

The three-time World Cup winner has been confirmed dead by the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo after he suffered multiple organ failure.

Pélé had battled colon cancer before his death, with his family traveling to be by his side earlier in December after he was transferred to hospice care when his body stopped responding to treatment.

The 82-year-old has received numerous tributes from top sportsmen, clubs and various organizations following his iconic career with Brazil and Santos.

He scored 643 goals in 659 games over an 18-year spell for Brazilian side Santos before representing Cosmos between 1975 and 1977.

"The New York Cosmos family, past and present, mourns the loss of sports icon Pelé," read a statement from the Cosmos, for whom the forward played in the North American Football League .

"In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei gave fans many legendary moments on the field, including winning the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1977.

"During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pelé helped transform the national football landscape. Where there were once baseball fields, now there were also football fields.

"The Cosmos and its King not only sparked a sports revolution in America, but they also traveled the world to spread the gospel of the beautiful game, representing the most global city in the world game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China and Japan, where their visits remain a treasured part of local sporting tradition.

"His last game as a professional footballer was on October 1, 1977, in front of a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a worldwide television audience.

"Pelé played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos. Pelé's name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius.

"His lasting impact on the sport of football is invaluable. Rest in peace, O Rei."