New York Cosmos honor former player Pele after Brazil soccer icon dies aged 82

The New York Cosmos have released a statement in honor of their former player Pele, the legendary Brazilian who died Thursday at the age of 82.

The three-time World Cup winner passed away from colon cancer after learning the disease had advanced on December 21, and stayed in the hospital over Christmas as he needed treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.

He had previously been admitted to the hospital on November 30 with ‘decompensated heart failure’ before passing away a month later.

The Cosmos statement reads, ‘The New York Cosmos family, past and present, grieve the loss of sporting icon Pele. The Brazilian legend passed away today at the age of 82.

Pele played for the Cosmos from 1975-1977, and hugely increased soccer popularity in the US

‘Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in the city of Três Corações, Pele would become one of the world’s most celebrated figures. He made his professional soccer debut with Santos at the age of 15 and would go on to score over a thousand goals and win the FIFA World Cup three times before turning 30.

‘In 1975, Pele joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei treated fans to numerous legendary moments on the pitch, including scoring a hat-trick to win the 1977 NASL Soccer Bowl.

‘During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pele helped transform the domestic landscape of the sport of soccer. Where once there had been baseball diamonds, now there were also soccer pitches. 

‘The Cosmos and their King not only started a sporting revolution in America, they also traveled the world to spread the Gospel of the Beautiful Game, representing the world’s most global city at the global game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China, and Japan, where their visits remain a cherished part of local sporting lore.

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Pele is seen in action for the Cosmos in the NASL circa 1976 at Yankee Stadium

‘His last game as a professional footballer was played on October 1, 1977, before a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a global television audience. Pele played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos. 

‘Pele’s name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius. His lasting impact on the sport of soccer is inestimable. Rest in peace, O Rei.’

Pele played with German icon Franz Beckenbauer, Italian Giorgio Chinaglia and fellow Brazilian international Carlos Alberto Torres at the Cosmos.

Pele brought huge popularity to soccer in the USA as he played for the Cosmos

He joined the club in 1975 and played with them until 1977. 

Pele was remembered fondly in other corners of American soccer as well. 

US Women’s national team World Cup winner Carli Lloyd tweeted, ‘Icon. Legend. Goat. RIP Pelé.

Pele is seen with teammate Steve Hunt prior to a game at Giants Stadium

Former USMNT midfielder and Houston Dynamo coach Tab Ramos said, GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Carried The Beautiful Game on his shoulders and always with class. Rest in Peace.’

USMNT winger Tim Weah added on Instagram, ‘Thank you for paving the way for young black men like myself to believe that anything is possible if you dream big.

‘You will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for changing my life and inspiring me to continue believing in my abilities.’ 

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Pele in action during an NASL Soccer game circa 1976 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx

Of course, Pele’s influence stretched far beyond North America, and so did his tributes on Thursday.

World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe shared a tribute to the Brazilian icon.  

‘The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING,’ he said on Twitter.

‘His compatriot Neymar also penned a touching tribute on Instagram. 

‘Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete,’ he said.

‘I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. 

‘Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!’

Pele shoots on goal during an NASL Soccer game circa 1977 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx