Pele dies at 82: Stopped a war and won 3 World Cups - TOP records and ACHIEVEMENTS of 'KING' of football
One of the greatest footballer to have ever graced the game, Pele, died in Brazilian capital of Sao Paulo on Thursday (December 29). He breathed his last with his daughter and family members beside him. Pele battled a long fight with cancer before he decided to bid goodbye to the world where he has billions of fans and followers. He made he likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, Kylian Mbappe take up the sport and play the beautiful game. Tributes are still coming in after his death.
One of the greatest footballer to have ever graced the game, Pele, died in Brazilian capital of Sao Paulo on Thursday (December 29). He breathed his last with his daughter and family members beside him. Pele battled a long fight with cancer before he decided to bid goodbye to the world where he has billions of fans and followers. He made he likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, Kylian Mbappe take up the sport and play the beautiful game. Tributes are still coming in after his death. Pele was hailed as the 'King' and known as 'Black Pearl' because of many achievements and records. We bring you some of his top records here in this story. Read on as we mourn the death of the ultimate GOAT who was Pele.
Pele: Only footballer to have won 3 World Cups
![Pele: Only footballer to have won 3 World Cups Pele: Only footballer to have won 3 World Cups](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135388-3168976796757308372994806342719140184490813n.jpg)
Pele: Most successful top division scorer
![Pele: Most successful top division scorer Pele: Most successful top division scorer](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135387-31736608212880669420150103583948689012156117n.jpg)
Pele: youngest goal scorer for Brazil
![Pele: youngest goal scorer for Brazil Pele: youngest goal scorer for Brazil](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135386-3146516614450222177056771978928935250702294n.jpg)
Pele: youngest player at FIFA World Cup and youngest to score a World cup hattrick in WC
![Pele: youngest player at FIFA World Cup and youngest to score a World cup hattrick in WC Pele: youngest player at FIFA World Cup and youngest to score a World cup hattrick in WC](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135385-3138379318548257322996715481504019768651432n.jpg)
In the 1958 FIFA World Cup, Pele arrived in Sweden sidelined by a knee injury but his colleagues stood together and insisted upon his selection. He was at the time the youngest player ever to participate in the World Cup. Against France in the semi-final, Brazil was leading 2-1 at halftime, and then Pele scored a hat-trick becoming the youngest in World Cup history to do so. On 29 June 1958, Pele became the youngest player to play in a world cup match at 17 years and 249 days. (Image source: Instagram)
Pele also stopped a Civil war
![Pele also stopped a Civil war Pele also stopped a Civil war](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135384-3111546626372544580167173929051675815547916n.jpg)
In 1969, the two factions involved in the Nigerian Civil War agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire so they could watch Pele play an exhibition game in Lagos. Santos ended up playing to a 2-2 draw with Lagos side Stationary Stores FC and Pele scored his team`s goals. The civil war went on for one more year after this game. (Image source: Instagram)
Pele World Cup goals
![Pele World Cup goals Pele World Cup goals](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/12/30/1135383-3066063108302596483297584872276078923213006n.jpg)
The Brazilian legend finished his World Cup career having scored 12 goals in 14 games. Pele received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.Pele`s last international match was on 18 July 1971 against Yugoslavia in Rio de Janeiro.Brazil never lost a match while fielding both Pele and Garrincha.Pele went on to represent his country in four World Cups where he scored 12 goals. (Image source: Instagram)