Pelé Dead: Football Legend, 'Secret' Recording Artist Tragically Dies After Harrowing Cancer Battle; Listen to 'Esperanca'

Pele Dead
Lars Baron / Staff

The 82-year-old Brazilian soccer legend Pelé passed away in a hospital in So Paulo on Thursday (December 29). Since September 2021, he had been battling colon cancer, and he was hospitalized in November. Unknown to most, or probably forgotten my most - Pele is also a composer and a recording artist, although the legend did try to dissuade people from remembering him as such.

On his official Instagram page, the news of his death was confirmed.

The caption reads, "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today."

It also said,. "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."

His current message becomes an enduring legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever." Pelé (born Edson Arantes do Nascimento) is regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

He won three World Cup tournaments with his country's national team and ten league titles with his local club Santos. Pelé, the king of the "jogo bonito" (beautiful game), was not only a soccer superstar; he also loved music and recorded a few songs "for fun" during his time.

Six years ago, he released "Esperanca" as one of them.

Legendary Brazilian striker Pele has announced that he has composed and recorded a special anthem for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which will begin the following month.

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"Esperanca" (Hope) is Pele's first return to the music scene since his seminal bossa nova album "Pele Ginga" was released in 2006. Earlier in the week, the 75-year-old announced on his official Facebook page that he had completed recording the new song, revealing that he was inspired by "the feeling of hope and happiness around the world" generated by the games.

He told The Guardian way back in 2006 that he didn't want the public to make the connection between Pelé the composer and Pelé the footballer.

He said to do that comparison will be a big issue because his football talent was a divine gift while music was only for amusement.

Still, he did make an impact on the music industry.

Following the news of Pelé's passing, Latino artists took to social media to express their sorrow.

Anitta uploaded a picture of Pelé to her Instagram Story with the caption "R.I.P. King Pelé."

Former President Barack Obama also recalled Pelé, tweeting that Pelé was one of the greatest players of the beautiful game ever. He also described his power as one of the most famous athletes in the world -- the ability to unite people.

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