Pele has passed away at the age 82 following a battle with cancer. The Brazil legend had spent the last three weeks in hospital as doctors reevaluated his treatment after being diagnosed with colon cancer in September last year.
Pele is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and helped his country to win three World Cups. The global icon stands level with Neymar as Brazil's all-time top goalscorer after netting 77 goals in 92 appearances.
Pele's recent hospitalisation led to an outpouring of support from the football community, with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar among those wish the 82-year-old a speedy recovery. Brazil's current squad paid tribute to the legend following the World Cup knockout victory over South Korea earlier this month by holding up a banner in his honour.
READ MORE: Newcastle United can sign off a truly remarkable 2022 in style
The famous forward was due to spend Christmas at Sao Paulo's Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, having recently undergone a review of his chemotherapy treatment. A hospital statement had said Pele needed 'greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions' because of the "cancer progression".
A statement on Pele's Instagram confirmed the sad news on Thursday evening.
"Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today," it read. "On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
"Love, love and love, forever."
