Soccer's original icon Pele expires at 82 :::: Tears of Joy !! It's human for a magician, for a Soccer God...

Tears of Joy !! It's human for a magician, for a Soccer God...

A 17-year-old Pelé weeps on the shoulder of the goalkeeper Gilmar after Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 Word Cup final.

Pelé (centre) celebrates after Vavá fires home his, and Brazil’s, second goal in their 2-0 win over the USSR in their 1958 World Cup group game.

Pelé is helped from the pitch by Brazil’s doctor, Hilton Gosling (left), and the trainer Americo during the 3-1 defeat by Portugal at the 1966 World Cup. 

(The Guardian snaps) 

"The passing away of Pelé leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. 

His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations. Condolences to his family and fans. RIP." - tweets PM Modi

Soccer's original icon Pele expires at 82

And wherever football is played, the name of Pele will synonymous with it, says BBC. 

The legend, the first global superstar is no more.

The original football icon and magician for his superb footwork and skills - Pele - is no more. He was 82.

Pelé – originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento – began playing for Santos at the age of 15  and the Brazilian national team a year later, bursting onto the world football scene as a 17-year-old in the 1958 World Cup.

Not long ago, none other than Sir Robert Charlton, an acclaimed English former footballer, also called Bobby Charlton had said that football might have been "invented for him (Pele)".

A post on Pelé’s official Instagram account following his death said the icon “enchanted the world”.

During his international career, he won three World Cups – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – the only player to achieve the unique milestone. 

Media reports said he died due to multiple organ failure resulting from his colon cancer. 

He had electrifying speed and deadly accuracy in front of goal made him the legend. 

A fine gentleman that Pele was, after Maradona died in 2020, he had famously said - "I have lost a dear friend.... One day, we will play soccer together in the sky" - Pele on Maradona 

In terms  In terms of Pele's legendary performance, it is said that goal that shook the footballing consciousness of the world was when 17-year-old Pele took a long pass on his thigh and then hooked it over his head and took a swift turn to send the ball past the Sweden's goalkeeper in his inaugural world cup. That shows -- beginning knows its end, or its never ending saga.

In a statement, Pele's family said "inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele".

Cristiano Ronaldo shared his condolences to all of Brazil and Pele's family, saying he was an inspiration for millions. Harry Kane said he was a "true inspiration".

English football legend Sir Geoff Hurst said Pele "remains the greatest" player of all time, and he was "proud to be on the pitch with him". Uefa joined fans across the world mourning the football legend. The governing body said Pele was the "first global superstar"

The Brazilian Football Federation described Pele as "eternal".

France striker Kylian Mpabbe said Pele's legacy will never be forgotten. The Premier League praised Pele's remarkable career, calling him an "extraordinarily gifted footballer".

Brazil's celebrated star, Neymar, said Pele transformed football into art and entertainment. 

Pele's greatness can be measured by the simple fact that he could make football a spectacle of natural grace and beauty when he missed as much as when he scored. He layered his brilliance across a career spanning from his start as a teenager with Santos to a finish as a money-spinner at New York Cosmos.

And wherever football is played, the name of Pele will synonymous with it, says BBC. 

Pele suffered World Cup disappointments too, none more than when he was brutally kicked out of the competition in England in 1966.

He left the scene of the 3-1 defeat by Portugal at Goodison Park draped in a blanket after a succession of fouls that left him limping on one leg, with his right knee heavily bandaged. During the match, he had stayed on and continued throwing himself into the physical challenges to prove bravery accompanied brilliance as substitutes were not permitted.

That knee injury was caused by earlier savage challenges in Brazil's first game against Bulgaria and Pele was so disgusted by his treatment that he vowed never to play in another World Cup - a decision the game was grateful he later reversed.

Brazil's 1970 World Cup win was the pinnacle of Pele's career. He was the focal point of a dream team that has become enshrined in the game's history. Pele may have been the headline act but he was accompanied by names such as Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao and Gerson, as well as the great captain and leader Carlos Alberto.