The Greatest has died at 82. Quite simply, he transcended soccer, becoming its first truly global superstar, with a level of fame that remained nearly as strong 40 years after his retirement as it was during his playing pomp. Pelé was hospitalized on Nov. 29 to treat a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19. The soccer legend had also been undergoing chemotherapy against metastatic cancer. He had a colon tumor removed in September 2021. His family had gathered around him in recent days, with his daughter posting a touching Instagram photo Dec. 23 from his hospital room. Visit the link in @usatoday’s bio for more.