Ballet Palais won three World Cups, more than any other player has ever accomplished. He scored 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches - a world record that is unlikely to be surpassed. The Brazilian legend died aged 82 after a long battle with cancer.
From Pelé, the “king of football”, to Britain’s longest-reigning queen, our editors and correspondents reflected on the accomplishments of many notable figures who died this year. But our obituaries editor shone a light also on the lives and legacies of lesser-known figures.
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