After Diego Armando Maradona, the football world mourns another legend: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known simply as Pelé, died today at the age of 82. The only footballer to win three World Cups (in 1958, 1962 and 1970), awarded the FIFA Golden Ball of the Century, he also holds the record for the most career goals: 1281 in 1363 matches. With Maradona, he was the protagonist of an endless long-distance battle for the role of the best player in history, a debate that has spanned several generations of fans and enthusiasts.

After spending most of his football life with Santos, he ended his career in the United States, playing for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977. In addition to his three world cup titles, he won two Intercontinental Cups and the Copa Libertadores, the first Intercontinental Champions Supercup, 10 victories in the Paulista championship, six in the Brazilian Serie A, five in a row in the Taca Brasil, four in the Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament and the NASL championship with the Cosmos.

But it was in the Brazil national jersey that Pelé probably dished out his most cherished performances, scoring a staggering 77 goals in 92 appearances and lifting the Rimet Cup three times. The last was in 1970, when in the final against Italy he scored one of the four goals in the Verdeoro's win.

"An enormous loss, today sport mourns a great man, because Pelé was football", says FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, "thanks to him, in fact, it has become the most loved and played game in the world. In him, millions of people recognised themselves in a beautiful story of redemption and great passion. His class will shine in our memories forever".