Kely Nascimento confirms the death of her father, Pele, at the age of 82 in heartfelt Instagram post

Kely Nascimento, daughter of Pele, confirms her father’s tragic passing at the age of 82 on Thursday December 29, in a heartfelt Instagram post.

The Brazilian legend passed away after a battle with colon cancer and his daughter shared an emotional post with her followers, claiming that everything she has is ‘thanks to’ her father. 

The three-time World Cup winner is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all-time, and his tragic death has left the beautiful game – a phrase he coined – in mourning. 

Pele’s daughter shared a heartfelt message on Instagram following the passing of her father

Nascimento’s post read: ‘Everything we are is because of you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,’ followed by three heartbroken emojis. 

The post itself showed several pairs of hands clasped around those of a figure in a hospital bed, thought to be her legendary father himself. 

The Brazilian legend is remembered by seven children, as well as the wider football community. 

One of his grandsons, Arthur Spies wrote that it was ‘the most painful day of life’, adding: ‘But now all that’s left are the good moment, what Pele did for Brazil and for the world, the people that he helped and the victories he had in his career and life.

‘Grandpa Dico you are my idol and always will be, no matter where you are, on Earth or in heaven… I know that wherever you are you will always be supporting and blessing me in everything in my life and will always be together with me.

One of his grandsons, Arthur Spies (right), shared this picture on his Instagram page

‘I have a clear conscience that you will go to heaven with an image of me as a grandson who was very present and who always loved you very muh and that I always wanted to be together with you.

‘I love you very much regardless of where you are, I will always take you with me in my life, in good times and bad times, because I know that if you were here you would support me, I love you grandpa.’

The iconic forward managed 77 goals in 92 appearances for his country, and was one of the game’s leading exponents on the international stage. 

Nascimento wrote that everything she is is because of her father

He was also one of the first universally recognised names to make the move to the USA, joining New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977 when he retired from professional football.  

But his daughter has not been the only person to send their messages out to the ex-Brazil international forward, with many of the game’s current and former faces paying tribute.

England’s 19966 World Cup final hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst wrote: ‘I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). 

‘For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.’

And fellow ex-Three Lions striker Gary Lineker added: ‘Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. 

‘He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.’

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford simply added: ‘Rest easy king.’

Sir Geoff Hurst paid tribute to Pele with a heartfelt post on social media following the Brazilian’s passing

Gary Lineker also took to Twitter following the death of Pele at the age of 82