Brazillian soccer legend Pele has died, aged 82.

The three-time World Cup winner’s death was confirmed by his manager just before 6am this morning.

He had been fighting colon cancer since last year – having a tumor removed in September 2021, and being in and out of hospital ever since. 

Pele saw a magnificent career spanning 21 years, scoring over 1,200 goals across official and unofficial matches. 

For a time, he was the highest paid athlete in the world.

Pele’s influence was so special that in 1967, in the midst of Nigeria’s civil war, both sides stopped for a two-day truce to watch Pele play. 

He’s regarded by many as the greatest football player in history, and he’ll be missed by fans all over the world.

Photo: Getty / Franck Fife