Edson Arantes do Nascimento populaly called Pele, the greatest footballer of all time, has died at the age of 82.

The world of football is in mourning after it was announced the Brazilian icon has passed away in his homeland.

Pele had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.

It has now been confirmed that the greatest player in history has sadly passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of his cancer.

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento posted a final picture of the legend’s family holding his hand.

She wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you we love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”

Pele’s official Twitter account added: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”

Pele was moved into palliative care at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo earlier this month.

The hospital released a statement this evening, which read: “The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein regretfully confirms the death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, today, December 29, 2022, at 3:27 pm, due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of cancer of colon associated with his previous clinical condition.

“Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein sympathizes with the family and everyone who suffers from the loss of our dear King of Football.”

Nicknamed The King, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.

His amazing haul of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which included friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.

He scored a remarkable 77 goals in 92 games for the national team – a record equalled by Neymar at the recent World Cup.

Pele burst on to the scene at an early age.

He made his debut for his local team Santos aged just 15 and then was won his first cap for the Brazil national team at 16.

He won the World Cup in 1958 aged just 17, and then won it again in 1962 and 1970.