Pictures: Football icon Pelé | CNN

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Kyle Almond and Will Lanzoni, reporters for CNN, wrote this article.

This article was written by CNN reporters Kyle Almond and Will Lanzoni.

The legendary soccer player, Pelé, from Brazil, known worldwide as an icon, passed away at 82 years old.

Pelé, also known as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, holds the unique record of being the only person to have won three World Cups in history.

At the young age of 17, he made his mark in the 1958 World Cup by scoring two crucial goals in the final against Sweden. He continued to impress in the following World Cups of 1962 and 1970, captivating audiences with his impressive dribbling and goal-scoring talents.

During a large portion of his professional career, Pelé was a member of the Brazilian club Santos. Towards the end of his time as a player, he entered into a lucrative contract to compete in the North American Soccer League, ultimately achieving a championship with the New York Cosmos.

In the year 2000, FIFA recognized him as the Player of the Century along with the legendary Argentine, Diego Maradona. He is still widely regarded as the best player in history.

Pelé once stated that he was destined to play football, similar to how Beethoven was meant to compose music and Michelangelo was meant to paint.

Source: cnn.com

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