With a painful message, Pelé’s eldest daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed the death of one of soccer’s greatest legends. The 82-year-old Brazilian star was hospitalized receiving palliative care treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he died on Thursday, December 29, 2022 after a long fight against cancer.
“Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace, ”Kely wrote on his Instagram account along with a moving image of the soccer idol’s family placing their hands on the body of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
Kely was in charge of reporting the detailed state of health of the striker who was able to win three World Cups with the Brazilian team, who had been in intensive care since November 30. In one of his last posts, for the Christmas holidays, he wrote: “We always have a lot to be grateful for, even spending Christmas in the hospital we are aware of the privilege it is to be in a place like Einstein. Seeing our dad being treated by these professionals, super competent and extremely loving. Not a moment goes by when we forget this privilege. Even in sadness we can only be grateful. Thank you for being together, thank you for all his love, thank you for being here now with him. Merry Christmas. Lots of health, lots of love, lots of joy, lots of laughter and lots of passion, today and always, for all of you. Another night with him.”
“These moments are difficult to explain. Sometimes there is a lot of sadness and despair, other times we laugh and talk about funny memories. And what we learn the most from all this is that we have to look for each other and hold on tight. Only when it’s all worth it. With everything, together”, was the family message of December 28.
Minutes after the last medical report from the Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital confirming Pelé’s death was issued, the official account of the former Santos footballer showed activity with a final statement with a black and white image of O’Rei.
“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who passed away peacefully today. On his journey, Edson charmed everyone with his brilliance in sports, stopped a war, did social work around the world, and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love. Your message in life will become a legacy for generations to come. Love love and love forever”, they published on social networks.
The posting of Pelé’s account minutes after his death (Instagram)
