NEW YORK (TIP): The year 2022 seemed to have a sting in the tail. It took away the life of  Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died on Thursday, December 29. He was 82. The standard-bearer of “the beautiful game” had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021. He was  Knighted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.

He visited Washington to help popularize the game in North America. It was the US President who stuck out his hand first. “My name is Ronald Reagan, I’m the president of the United States of America. But you don’t need to introduce yourself because everyone knows who Pelé is,” the host said.

He had been hospitalized for the last month with multiple ailments. His agent Joe Fraga confirmed his death. Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, Pelé spent nearly two decades enchanting fans and dazzling opponents as the game’s most prolific scorer with Brazilian club Santos and the Brazil national team. His grace, athleticism and mesmerizing moves transfixed players and fans. He orchestrated a fast, fluid style that revolutionized the sport — a samba-like flair that personified his country’s elegance on the field.