Pele, the legendary Brazilian footballer, died on Thursday after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to his agent Joe Fraga and his family.

On Pele’s social media, representatives said, “Inspiration and affection defined the path of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today.”

The 82-year-old three-time World Cup champion, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was honored for his many achievements both on and off the field.

The tribute post on Pele’s social media emphasized the star’s worldwide appeal, referring to an episode during the Nigerian Civil War in which opposing groups agreed to a ceasefire in order to watch a match Pele played in the country.

“On his voyage, Edson dazzled the world with his skill in athletics, prevented a war, carried out social activities all over the world, and shared what he most felt to be the answer to all our problems: love. “Today, his message becomes a legacy for future generations,” said the post on Pele’s social media.

Tributes to the late football star flooded in from all around the world, including one from his daughter, documentary filmmaker Kely Nascimento. She shared a photo on Instagram of family members holding his hand as he lay in a hospital bed.

“We are everything because of you,” Nascimento wrote. “We adore you infinitely.” “May you rest in peace.”

Pele has been in the hospital since November with a variety of diseases, including a lung infection. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the 82-year-old three-time World Cup winner, was also suffering from heart and renal difficulties.

In September 2021, Pele had a tumor removed from his colon. On November 29, he was taken to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo.

Doctors there said that his colon cancer was “getting worse” and that he needed “more complete care” to help with his kidney and heart problems.

Following Argentina’s World Cup victory on December 18 in Qatar, Pele shared a photo of the squad carrying the trophy on social media, praising captain Lionel Messi, France’s emerging sensation Kylian Mbappe, and surprise semifinalists Morocco.

“Today, football continues to tell its story in a fascinating way,” he remarked. “What a joy it was to witness this vision of our sport’s future.”

Brazil players and fans in Qatar also put up banners with pictures of the soccer legend and well-wishes for his recovery on and off the field.