There has been the passing of one of, if not the greatest, football players in history. At the age of 82, Pele passed away at the hospital from multiple organ failure, a side effect of colon cancer. The Albert Einstein Hospital, where Pelé was receiving treatment, reported in December 2022 that the athlete needed “more care relating to renal and cardiac dysfunctions” since his tumor had progressed.
Past Medical History:
In 1977, Brazilian media reported that Pelé had his right kidney removed. In November 2012, Pelé underwent a successful hip operation. In December 2017, Pelé appeared in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow where he was pictured with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Diego Maradona. Pelé underwent surgery to remove a tumor from the right side of his intestines in September 2021. He was reportedly readmitted to intensive care a few days after his oldest daughter Kely said he was “doing well.” On September 30, 2021, was he finally released to start chemotherapy.
He passed out from weariness a month later and was transported to the hospital. After being admitted to the hospital with a urinary tract infection in 2019, Pelé had surgery to remove kidney stones. As a result of inadequate rehabilitation following his hip surgery, Pelé’s son Edinho revealed in February 2020 that his father was unable to walk on his own and hesitant to leave the house. Edinho attributed Pelé’s condition to this.
| Rank | Player | Total Goals | Career span | |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 819 | 2002–2022 | |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 793 | 2004–2022 | |
| 3 | Pelé | 757 | 1957–1977 | |
| 4 | Romário | 746 | 1985–2007 | |
| 5 | Ferenc Puskás | 729 | 1943–1966 |