Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ has died SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday.As does his trademark goal celebration — a leap with a right fist thrust high above his head.“He is key for Black people’s pride in Brazil, but never wanted to be a flagbearer.” Pelé’s life after soccer took many forms.His first goal, in which he flicked the ball over the head of a defender and raced around him to volley it home, was voted as one of the best in World Cup history.Pelé likened the save — one of the best in World Cup history — to a “salmon climbing up a waterfall.” Later, he scored the opening goal in the final against Italy, his last World Cup match."