Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football

Pele's greatness can be measured by the simple fact that he could make football a spectacle of natural grace and beauty when he missed as much as when he scored.

One of the game's first global personalities, he scored a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games and layered his brilliance across a career spanning from his start as a teenager with Santos to a finish as a money-spinner at New York Cosmos.

And wherever football is played, the name of Pele will synonymous with it.

BBC Sport's Joe Wilson reports on the life and career of Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

Pele was in hospital while the World Cup in Qatar was taking place. Players and fans of Brazil showed their support for the legend during the tournament.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

France star Kylian Mbappe broke Pele's record for the most goals in the Fifa World Cup scored by a player aged under 24 in Qatar earlier this month.

He has paid tribute to Pele, saying his legacy will never be forgotten.

Gregg Baxter: Not old enough to have seen his genius, but the stories, clips, and records he has are simply staggering, one of the greatest to ever the play the beautiful game, an iconic figure every football fan knows. Rest in Peace legend.

A nice tribute from the Brazilian Football Federation as they describe Pele as "Eternal" and rather than post his year of death, instead use the infinity symbol.

Here's more from Gary Lineker, who says Pele was synonymous with the football.

Pele was not just a legend of football, he transcended the sport and was respected and appreciated by all.

Here legendary sprinter Usain Bolt pays tribute.

Pele joined Santos at the age of 15 and turned the small coastal club into one of the most famous names in football.

Over a glittering 18-year spell at the club he won every honour in Brazilian football as well as two Copa Libertadores - the South American equivalent of the Champions League - and two Intercontinental Cups, the annual tournament held between the best teams in Europe and South America.

Pele's 1,281 goals in 1,366 games, as tabulated by Fifa's website, came at a startling rate of 0.94 per match.

Some of those were friendlies or came in games played as part of his military service, but he was just as prolific in official tournaments, with 757 goals in 812 games.

Image source, Getty Images

English footballing legend Sir Geoff Hurst has paid tribute to Pele in a Twitter post.

The 1966 World Cup winner says the Brazilian "remains the greatest" player of all time.

Pele's family members have posted a striking picture and message on his Instagram page following news of his death.

In a statement, they say:

"Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today.

"On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

"His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.

"Love, love and love, forever."

Sunny: Definitely the greatest for me.

Monty Brewster: Made the game beautiful.

Davey F: For me the greatest. Mexico 70 was the footballing equivalent to art, never seen anyone dominate a World Cup like that in all the tournaments since.

Image source, Instagram

Pele had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.

His daughter Kely Nascimento has kept fans updated on her father's condition with regular social media updates from hospital.

On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele's family's hands on his body in hospital and wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

Image source, Getty Images

The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000.

He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

Pele had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years.

Dean William Smith: Rest in Peace Pele. The Greatest footballer that ever lived.

Brazilian football legend Pele, arguably the greatest player ever, has died at the age of 82.

We will bring you tributes to the icon of the game as they come in.