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    Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football star holding hands with family as he rested in hospital bed

    PELE’S daughter has shared the poignant final photo taken of the Brazilian football star after he died at age 82.Devastated Kely Nasicmento told of her pain after losing her sporting legend dad.
    Football hero Pele has died aged 82Credit: Alamy
    Pele’s daughter paid tribute with this photoCredit: Instagram
    Kely Nasicmento pictured with her dad while he received treatment in hospitalCredit: Refer to Caption
    Pele had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
    It has now been confirmed that he has passed away.
    Tonight Kely posted a photo on Instagram showing her family holding Pele’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed.
    He had been in the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo after being admitted at the end of November.
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    She wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you.
    “We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
    Kely, who had posted before Christmas that members of Pele’s family would spend the holiday period in the hospital with him, added three heartbroken emojis.
    Yesterday she shared an emotional post saying her family was enduring “sadness and despair”.
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    She posted a picture with her sister Flavia and Pele’s grandchildren, Octavio Felinto Neto and Gabriel Arantes.
    Kely said: “These moments are hard to explain. Sometimes there is a lot of sadness and despair, other times we laugh and talk of fun memories.
    “And what we learn most from all this is that we have to look for each other, and hold tight. Only when it’s all worth it. With it all together.”
    On Boxing Day, Kely shared her praise for the hospital workers who were “doing all they can”.
    She said: “To see our dad being treated by these care professionals, super competent and extremely caring.
    “Not a moment goes by that we forget this privilege. Even in sadness we can only be thankful.”
    Nicknamed The King, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.
    His amazing haul of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which included friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.
    He scored a remarkable 77 goals in 92 games for the national team – a record equalled by Neymar at the recent World Cup.
    Pele burst onto the scene at an early age.
    Pele – all you need to know about Brazil iconPELE was widely regarded as the greatest footballer ever.
    Here is all the info you need on the soccer titan, who has passed away aged 82.

    He made his debut for his local team Santos aged just 15 and then won his first cap for the Brazil national team at 16. 
    He won the World Cup in 1958 aged just 17, and then won it again in 1962 and 1970.
    The South American superstar racked up 643 goals in 659 appearances for club side Santos across his 18-year spell.
    He also played for the New York Cosmos and retired in 1977, in an exhibition match between the Cosmos and Santos.
    In 1992, after his playing career, he was appointed a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment.
    Three years later, he was then named Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport by president Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

    He was the subject of a hit Netflix show charting his life from childhood poverty to the 1970 World Cup winner.
    Pele leaves his third wife Marcia Aoki and six children. More

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    Philippe Streiff dead at 67: Tributes paid to F1 icon who was left paralysed in horror pre-season testing accident

    FORMULA ONE legend Philippe Streiff has died at the age of 67 bringing the world of motorsport to mourning.Streiff enjoyed a notable career as he won the French Formula 3 championship in 1981 before moving up to F1 three years later.
    Formula One legend Philippe Streiff has died at the age of 67Credit: Rex
    Philippe Streiff enjoyed a lot of success during his motorsport careerCredit: Getty
    Philippe Streiff also left a mark in the sport after his horror accidentCredit: AFP
    The former Tyrrell and AGS driver recorded one podium finish after finishing third at the 1985 Australian Grand Prix while competing for Equipe Ligier.
    But unfortunately the Frenchman’s career was cut short after a horrific car crash during pre-season testing in Brazil in 1989.
    The former Renault star was left paralysed from the neck down but he continued to stay close with the sport.
    Streiff organised the Masters Karting Paris Bercy competition, which saw F1 stars like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel perform.
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    The legendary driver was also key in promoting awareness of road safety and disabilities.
    Tributes poured following the news of his death with notable figures from F1 and other backgrounds paying their respects.
    Streiff’s former Tyrrell team-mate Martin Brundle tweeted: “Sad to hear this about my former teammate Philippe.
    “Lovely guy, and very stylish in and out of the car. I remember that day clearly when we were testing in Rio and he had his crash. The red flag followed by the medivac heli. Different days.”
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    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated: “I am saddened to hear that Philippe Streiff has passed away. He showed incredible guts and determination throughout his life.
    “The way he overcame his accident and rebuilt his life was inspirational. We all send our condolences to his family at this sad time.”
    Author Richard Jenkins added: “His constant positive outlook on life despite great adversity is an inspiration to us all.
    “He was a huge help & great supporter of the upcoming Tyrrell book & will be missed by so many. He was much underrated driver too. RIP.” More

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    Fabian O’Neill dead aged 49: Tributes paid to Uruguay icon who Zidane hailed as one of most talented he’d faced

    FORMER Uruguay player Fabian O’Neill has died aged 49 following a battle with chronic liver disease. O’Neill was admitted to hospital on Saturday in a coma, after suffering a hemorrhage.
    Fabian O’Neill has died aged 49 following a battle with chronic liver diseaseCredit: AFP
    And his death was later confirmed by the Uruguayan FA in a statement.
    It read: “We regret with deep sadness and shock the death of the former player of the Uruguayan National Team, Fabián O’Neill.
    “Our condolences to your family and friends. RIP.”
    His ex-team Cagliari said: “Proud to have been able to admire your genius up close: pure, crystalline, like the most precious diamonds.
    “You made us fall in love with your class, Cagliari has never stopped loving its Wizard with the “10” on his shoulders.
    “Rest in peace Fabian. Forever one of us.”
    O’Neill started his career in Uruguay in 1992 with Nacional, winning the league in his first season.
    He went on to have later success in Italy, playing for Cagliari and Juventus.
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    And former Juve team-mate Zinedine Zidane described him as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen” according to  France24.
    The midfielder made 19 international appearances with two goals and finished his playing career in 2003 back at Nacional at only 29.
    O’Neill leaves behind two daughters and a son, with his boy Favio a youth player in Uruguay.
    Fabian O”Neill playing for Cagliari in 1999Credit: Getty More

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    Elia Alessandrini dead aged 25: Swiss football star dies in pool tragedy as girlfriend watches on holiday in Oman

    SWISS footballer Elia Alessandrini has died aged 25 after a tragic swimming pool accident.The former Young Boys academy ace, who last played at Stade Lausanne-Ouchy, passed away on holiday on Friday near Muscat in Oman.
    Swiss footballer Elia Alessandrini has died aged 25
    The ex-Young Boys ace, pictured centre, died while swimming as he girlfriend watched onCredit: Instagram / @fueglister_sports_management
    The tragedy happened in front of his girlfriend while he was swimming.
    And it was heartbreakingly just hours before they were due to end their vacation and return to Switzerland.
    The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
    The Swiss FA confirmed the news this morning in a statement.
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    It read: “Swiss football mourns Elia Alessandrini.
    “The former youth international tragically passed away at the age of 25 while on holiday.
    “The defender was trained at BSC Young Boys. Alessandrini made his debut in the Super League in the 2017/18 season for FC Thun.
    “He then switched to the Challenge League, where he played a total of 84 games in four and a half years for FC Chiasso, SC Kriens – where he was also captain – and since last summer for FC Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy.
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    “The man from Bern played a total of 20 international matches for the Swiss junior national teams from U-15 to U-20 level.
    “The SFV offers its deepest condolences to the relatives and family.”
    The late star’s mother, Patrizia, is quoted as telling Blick: “He was the best son you can imagine.
    “He was a good-hearted person who was never in a bad mood and always smiled. He was sunshine.”
    His club FC Stade Lausanne Ouchy also tweeted: “Captain with body and soul, the red and white family mourns Elia Alessandrini.
    “The stadium family loses a friend, a teammate and a role model for everyone.”
    Allessandrini’s long-time Taufi Murid, who spoke to the ace last on Thursday, told the Switzerland Times: “Elia was a very positive person and didn’t allow anything negative to happen. He quickly forgave and never held grudges.”
    He also revealed how the footballer had also continued his law studies while playing.
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    He added: “He was very mature for his age. He was very ambitious and disciplined.
    “He still had so much to do. His death is a great loss for all of us.” More

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    Grant Wahl’s wife reveals cause of death after brother admits he was wrong to claim World Cup journalist was murdered

    GRANT WAHL’S wife revealed what caused the reporter’s shocking death while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Famous journalist Wahl suddenly died at the age of 48 on Friday last week during the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
    Grant Wahl suddenly died while covering the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
    Dr Celine Gounder, an infectious disease epidemiologist, explained that her husband passed away “from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium”.
    Dr Gounder wrote on Wahl’s official blog: “First and foremost, on behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world.
    “This continues to be a very difficult and painful time as we grieve a beloved husband, brother, and friend.
    “It is some comfort to know that so many people Grant reached—countless colleagues, readers, athletes, coaches, friends, and fans—are grieving alongside us.
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    “Grant arrived home Monday, December 12, and this transition was handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.
    “This was an international matter that required coordination from multiple agencies domestically and internationally, and there was full cooperation from everyone involved.
    “Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in repatriating Grant, in particular the White House, the U.S. Department of State, FIFA, U.S. Soccer and American Airlines.
    “An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
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    “Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium.
    “The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.
    “No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him.
    “His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.
    “While the world knew Grant as a great journalist, we knew him as a man who approached the world with openness and love.
    Grant Wahl and his wife Celine GonuderCredit: Instagram/@grant_wahl
    Grant Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt to a game in QatarCredit: Reuters
    “Grant was an incredibly empathetic, dedicated, and loving husband, brother, uncle, and son who was our greatest teammate and fan.
    “We will forever cherish the gift of his life; to share his company was our greatest love and source of joy.
    “Grant curated friends from all cultures and walks of life, for whom he was a generous listener, an enthusiast, a champion of others.”
    This comes after Wahl’s brother Eric admitted he no longer suspects foul play behind his death.
    Eric believed the football reporter was killed after he was denied entry by Qatar security forces to the World Cup match between Wales and USA in the group stage.
    Wahl wasn’t allowed in because he wore a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt and the authorities ordered him to remove it as homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death in the Middle Eastern state.
    Grant Wahl’s wife Dr Celine Gounder revealed her husband’s cause of deathCredit: Getty
    The American journalist was ultimately let in and received an apology by FIFA but later received death threats.
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    But Eric now appears to agree with the doctors’ autopsy and doesn’t believe he was murdered.
    Wahl was one of the world’s most prominent sports journalists having worked with Sports Illustrated and Fox News as well as a New York Times bestselling author that always focused on human rights. More

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    Mills Lane dead aged 85: Tributes pour in as legendary Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield referee passes away

    BOXING legend Mills Lane has died aged 85.The American icon passed away surrounded by family at a hospice in Reno, Nevada.
    Former boxer and referee Mills Lane has died aged 85Credit: Getty
    Lane took charge of Mike Tyson’s infamous clash with Evander HolyfieldCredit: AFP
    Lane enjoyed a brief-but-successful boxing career when he was young.
    But he was best known as one of the sport’s top referees, overseeing fights including Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield in 1997, as well as other boxing legends including Muhammad Ali.
    Son Tommy Lane confirmed: “He took a significant decline in his overall situation.
    “It was a quick departure. He was comfortable and he was surrounded by his family.
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    “You never knew how long he had. We kind of felt like we were preparing for this all along, but there’s no such thing as preparing for this.”
    Lane first started boxing with the US Marine Corps in 1958 and became the All Far-East welterweight champion when stationed in Okinawa.
    He turned professional two years later before stopping boxing with a 10-1 record.
    Lane then turned his hand to refereeing in the 70s, eventually taking charge of 100 world championship fights while coining the phrase “let’s get it on.”
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    His most famous bout came in 1997 when Tyson bit the ear of opponent Holyfield, forcing Lane to stop the fight before disqualifying Tyson.
    Tributes came pouring in on social media, with one fan saying: “RIP to one of the most recognizable and influential men in the sport, Mills Lane.”
    Another wrote: “The best referee ever in my opinion. RIP.”
    One noted: “R.I.P. legend. Let’s get it on!”
    Another added: “Sad! I grew up watching him referee some of the greatest fights.” More

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    Maurice Norman dead at 88: Tottenham pay tribute to double winner and one of ‘all-time greats’ as he passes at home

    TOTTENHAM legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmed.Norman went down in history as one of Spurs’ “all-time greats” as he played a huge part in the famous Double triumph back in the 1960-1961 season.
    Tottenham legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Maurice Norman was part of the famous Double-winning Tottenham teamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The club stated that the legendary defender passed away at his home this past Sunday.
    Tottenham issued the following statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of one of our all-time greats, double winner Maurice Norman, who passed away at home on Sunday. He was 88.”
    Maurice started his career in 1952 at the age of 18 when he joined Norwich.
    It only took 35 games until Tottenham came calling in November, 1955 and brought him to North London.
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    The former England international spent the next 11 years at Tottenham where he became a club legend.
    Norman amassed a total of 411 appearances throughout his successful stint that also saw him winning the famous Double in 1961 under legendary manager Bill Nicholson.
    The famous centre-back also won the FA Cup in 1962 as well as the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.
    In fact, Norman became only one of 13 players to reach the 400-game milestone in Tottenham’s history.
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    The defender was also included in England’s squads for both the 1958 and 1962 World Cups – he was capped a total of 23 times by the Three Lions.
    The tall and powerful centre-half was forced to end his career in 1965 at the age of 31 after breaking his leg.
    Norman was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014 and, more recently, cancer, and fought both diseases with immense courage until the end.
    He is survived by wife Jacqueline, children Michael and Johanna, grandchildren Daniel, Zara, Clark and Rebecca as well as great grandchildren Zakary and Joshua More

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    Moi Fuentes dead at 37: Former world champion boxer passes away a year after suffering brain clot in fight

    FORMER world champion boxer Moi Fuentes has tragically died at the age of just 37, one year after suffering a brain clot in a fight.The Mexican, who went from minimumweight up to super-fly, suffered the devastating injury in a sixth round knockout defeat to David Cuellar Contreras in October 2021.
    Moi Fuentes passed away on Thursday morningCredit: Getty
    Fuentes, right, suffered the brain clot in a defeat to David Cuellar, left, last yearCredit: Getty
    He was swiftly rushed to hospital, but now it has been confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman that Fuentes passed away on Thursday morning.
    Sulaiman posted the news social media, saying: “Thank God, Moises Fuentes is already resting in peace. A warrior who fought to the last breath.
    “Our condolences to his family and friends and our appreciation to his wife for her dedication and dedication with indescribable love during this difficult year of suffering.
    “May he rest in peace.”
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    Fellow Mexican boxer Sulem Urbina also paid tribute to Fuentes, saying: “Moises Fuentes last fought Oct 2021 was knocked out. Since then had surgery and battled a whole year to try and stay here for his family.
    “Today he says goodbye. Today I ask the boxing world not to forget him. Today ask to respect boxers and pray every time one steps in the ring.
    “It was a pleasure to coincide with you in this life friend. Rest in peace Moises Fuentes.”
    While a fan added: “Damn. Horrible news regarding the passing of Moises Fuentes. He shared the ring with the very best from 105 to 115. Rest in peace, Champ.”
    Most read in Boxing
    And another said: “Ahh man 😢 Rest in peace to Moises Fuentes!”
    Fuentes won 25 of his 34 professional bouts, with 14 victories coming by way of knockout.
    In 2011, he became WBO minimumweight world champion by winning a split decision against Raul Garcia in Guadalajara.
    He then attempted to become a two-weight world champion in 2013, fighting Donnie Nietes for the light-flyweight title in the Philippines.
    And while he produced an impressive display, it ended in a split decision draw.
    Read More on The Sun
    He stepped away from boxing in 2018 after two knockout defeats in a row – including a first round KO loss to WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa.
    But Fuentes then returned in 2021 after more than three years out of the ring, only to lose to Cuellar and suffer the heartbreaking brain clot in the process. More