'Pele did it first': Amazing video of icon in his heyday goes viral after he dies at 82

Pelé, the Brazilian football legend who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most enduring sports figures of the last century, has died aged 82.

He had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021 and was hospitalised last month.

His death on Thursday (29 December) was confirmed by his agent Joe Fraga.

Since his superstar performance in the 1958 World Cup, Pelé spent almost two decades at the top and became the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team.

His agility, athleticism, and captivating moves mesmerised fans and players alike.

His style was fluid, elegant and quick, like the samba music that embodies Brazil.

In the wake of his passing, a compilation video of his finest moves on the pitch - which inspired others - has gone viral on Twitter and captioned with the touching words summing up his genius: “RIP Pele. He did it first.”

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The video showed the icon effortlessly pulling off several impressive moves on the field. The clip was also cut with footballers over the decades performing the moves.

Fans and big names also took to Twitter to share their condolences and honour the legacy of one of the most prolific players to grace the sport.

“Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away at 82, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game.

“A man with a god-given talent, one of the names who will remain forever in the memory.

“All thoughts with the family.

“RIP, legend,” tweeted Italian football journalist.Fabrizio Romano.

As a kid growing up in the 70s & 80s in a footballing Nation - there was one name on all of our lips who we tried to emulate & pretend we were. He transcended far beyond the game. RIP #Pele,” wrote UK MMA referee Marc Goodard.

Dr Alfred N Mutua - the Cabinet Secretary (Minister) of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of The Republic of Kenya - also took to the platform to speak on “the true legend” of football.

“My heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Brazil football legend @Pele. We’re so blessed to have witnessed his talents & kindness. He touched so many lives during his playing days & thereafter. Gone but never to be forgotten. A true legend of the game. @BrazilEmbassyKE,” he wrote.

Called “The King,” Pele was just 17 at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, making him the youngest player to ever be at the tournament.

He scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over the host country in the final.

When Brazil retained the world title in 1962, an injury limited him to just playing two games.

However, Pelé became a sign of the country prevailing in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

They scored a 4-1 victory over Italy in the final.

Pelé scored 77 goals in 92 official football games for Brazil.

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