The New York Cosmos family, past and present, grieve the loss of sporting icon Pelé. The Brazilian legend passed away today at the age of 82.

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in the city of Três Corações, Pelé would become one of the world’s most celebrated figures. He made his professional soccer debut with Santos at the age of 15 and would go on to score over a thousand goals and win the FIFA World Cup three times before turning 30.

In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize soccer across the United States. O Rei treated fans to numerous legendary moments on the pitch, including wining the 1977 NASL Soccer Bowl.

During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pelé helped transform the domestic landscape of the sport of soccer. Where once there had been baseball diamonds, now there were also soccer pitches. The Cosmos and their King not only started a sporting revolution in America, they also traveled the world to spread the Gospel of the Beautiful Game, representing the world’s most global city at the global game, leaving a lasting sporting legacy in India, China, and Japan, where their visits remain a cherished part of local sporting lore.

His last game as a professional footballer was played on October 1, 1977, before a sold-out crowd at Giants Stadium and a global television audience. Pelé played one half each for the only two clubs he ever represented, Santos and the New York Cosmos.

Pelé’s name will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius. His lasting impact on the sport of soccer is inestimable. Rest in peace, O Rei.