Pele: Brazil Declares 3 Days of Mourning for Football King

• The football world has been struck with the sad news of the death of legend Pele
• He passed away at age 82 due to multiple organ failure as a result of colon cancer
• The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro was lit up in honour of the icon

Brazil has declared three days of mourning following the death of football's pioneering superstar Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele.

Pele passed on to eternal glory on Thursday, December 29 after a long battle with cancer.

Following news of his passing, three days of national mourning have been announced by outgoing Brazil President, Jair Bolsonaro.

Tributes have poured in from world leaders, football stars and fans across the globe for the three-time World Cup winner.

South Korea's World Cup squad 2022: Who's in and who's out?

Football

He was once declared a 'non-exportable national treasure', following an emergency session of Brazil's Congress when clubs from Italy came hunting for his signature in his late teens.

How Pele's mourning is observed

According to Sky News, a 24-hour wake will be held on Monday in the centre of the field at the stadium of Santos - Pele's hometown club - where he started playing as a teenager.

On Tuesday, a parade will carry his coffin through the neighbourhood where his 100-year-old mother lives, followed by a private burial.

The parade will continue to Pelé’s final resting place, the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica cemetery in Santos, where a private funeral will be held for family members only, per Graphic Online.

Pele dies aged 82

Edson Arantes do Nascimento affectionately called Pele, has passed on after a long battle with colon cancer.

Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, the legendary Brazilian died on December 29 at age 82.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

According to AP News, the medical centre where he had been hospitalised for the last month said he died of multiple organ failure due to cancer.

Santos honours Pele

Sports Brief earlier reported that Santos have resolved to pay tribute to legend Pele by updating the club's crest.

The Brazilian football club will use a crown emblazoned on its uniform as a tribute to the three-time World Cup winner, who passed away after a battle with cancer.

According to Footy Headlines, Santos' crest in 2023 will have a crown placed above it in a permanent change intended to pay homage to Pele and his legacy in the sport.