- Pele, one of beautiful game’s greatest ever players, has passed away aged 82
- The only man to win three FIFA World Cups as a player
- World of football took to social media to pay their respects to O Rei
The world of football is in mourning after the passing of Pele, one of the beautiful game’s all-time greatest players.
The Brazil legend was the first – and to date only – player to win the FIFA World Cup three times, lifting the trophy with A Selecao in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
The former Santos and New York Cosmos striker’s playing career lasted over 20 years and to date is still his country’s joint top scorer with 77 goals.
He passed away at the age of 82.
The football world took to social media to pay their respects to the man known as O Rei (The King).
Neymar: Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I read that sentence somewhere, at some point in my life. But this beautiful sentence is incomplete. I would say that before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He transformed football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to black people, and most of all: it gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil elevated their status thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will remain. Pele is ETERNAL!
Marta: My King, our King. Thank you so much. You showed, or rather, taught with art and mastery, to the world, the power, unique, and on a global scale, of fomentation, mobilisation and engagement of our so loved sport! By your feet, we were and will continue being blessed by your art. I love you king. Rest in peace.
Cristiano Ronaldo: My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere "goodbye" to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that embraces the whole world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, of today, of always. The affection he always showed for me was reciprocated in all the moments we shared, even at a distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will last forever in each one of us, football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pele.
Casemiro: Rest in peace, King Pele. Thank you for the glory you gave to Brazil and to football. Your legacy is eternal.
Formiga: Rest in Peace, King Pele. Thank you for everything you did for our football, you are eternal. My condolences to family ,friends, and to all.
Vini Jr: King, majesty, example. Pele is love, generosity. The player who changed football, the greatest of all, has left us. Always words of affection and motivation about me. I read and kept all the messages you sent me. When you supported me in a delicate moment or when you celebrated my achievements. And what an honour, to have honoured you at the celebration of my first goal in the World Cup. Fortunately, I was able to say in life how much you will always be my reference. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Pele is eternal. I love you, King.
Antony: The greatest of them all. The King, the inspiration, the example, the only one, the eternal.
