Pelé 1940 – 2022

Biography

Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in the small Brazilian town of Três Corações. Over the following decades, he would become one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, bringing joy to millions through his artistry and passion for the game. His life spanned eight decades marked by extraordinary achievement and an enduring legacy that transcended sport.

On December 29, 2022, Pelé passed away at Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, having struggled with colorectal cancer. His death marked the end of an era and prompted an outpouring of grief from around the globe—a testament to the profound impact he had made both on and off the pitch. People from every walk of life mourned the loss of a man who had touched their hearts through football.

Pelé was laid to rest at Memorial Necropole Ecumenica in Santos, Brazil, a final resting place reflecting his deep connection to the country and the city where much of his legend was forged. Though his physical presence departed, his influence remained woven into the fabric of Brazilian culture and the sport he helped elevate to new heights around the world.