Pele died aged 82 on Thursday, his family confirmed, and it didn’t take long for countless tributes to pour in for the legendary Brazilian footballer.
Pele was one of the most-loved footballers of all time, considered an eternal master of the beautiful game.
He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, his sumptuous range of skills making him the embodiment of his country’s golden age of football.
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in October 1940, Pele played his first game for Santos as a 15-year-old in 1956. He earned a call-up to the national team a year later, scoring on his debut against Argentina. In 1958 he was picked for the World Cup in Sweden.
When he finally retired in 1977, Pele is said to have scored more than 1,000 goals. He scored 77 for Brazil, as per Fifa’s official record, a tally only equalled at the recent World Cup by Neymar.
Neymar, who wears the iconic No 10 for Brazil now, led the tributes to the legend:
Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!
— Neymar / Translated Instagram post
My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pelé.
— Cristiano Ronaldo / Translated Instagram post
Here are some more tributes that poured in for Pele:
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.
Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) December 29, 2022
Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first. RIP ⚽️🤴🏿 pic.twitter.com/SeW0z1hQTm
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 29, 2022
We mark the passing of the legendary Pelé, known to many as the king of the "beautiful game." This image of a spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor shows the colors of Brazil. pic.twitter.com/sOYfKdTeAJ
— NASA (@NASA) December 29, 2022
Rest easy king 👑 pic.twitter.com/V1Qa1FsZYh
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace to one of the greatest legends of the game🖤⚽😥
— Mesut Özil (@M10) December 29, 2022
Your legacy will live forever.
I'm sure 'Heaven FC' with Maradona and Pele together will be invincible forever 🫶🏼🇧🇷🏆🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/KimzUxhIik
Growing up, I was football mad. The first visuals I remember seeing on the old box tv on DD were of 3 football legends - Pele’s magnificent jumping header, Maradona’s Goal of the Century & Hand of God and the Cruyff turn. Now all 3 are up there, finally playing on the same team.
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) December 30, 2022
The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 29, 2022
I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him - equally rewarding.
The player, The man, The icon@Pele pic.twitter.com/x763cyrqIF
A Sporting Legend.
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) December 29, 2022
Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30
I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you. pic.twitter.com/oCpQlw7EIK
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 29, 2022
3 - The only player to have won the FIFA Men's World Cup on three occasions is Pelé, who was victorious in 1958, 1962 and 1970 with Brazil. Champion. pic.twitter.com/xFDHZfrpTL
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) December 29, 2022
Pelé's impact on the game will never be forgotten ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HheteimXO7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 29, 2022
Con le tue gesta hai fatto innamorare il mondo di questo sport, diventandone uno dei simboli stessi.
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) December 29, 2022
Grazie O Rei, per me sei e sarai per sempre una leggenda ♥️#Pele pic.twitter.com/bMTyClPdzm
One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game.
— England (@England) December 29, 2022
Farewell, Pelé. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bMUEat5MP2
Rest in peace, Rei @Pele. pic.twitter.com/h9f2ry3O0W
— Johan Cruyff (@JohanCruyff) December 29, 2022
The football world has lost a legend. Rest in peace Pele 💔💫 pic.twitter.com/4CrXrEVFlT
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable 🙏🏼❤️🇧🇷 #pele pic.twitter.com/PErVqkERuF
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 29, 2022
A Magician on the field and one of the greatest sportspersons to have graced the planet. Heartfelt condolences to his family and well wishers all around the world. #Pele pic.twitter.com/FVemHsZ5FB
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 29, 2022
End of an Era. Some sportspersons leave a mark which inspires generations. The great Pele’s legacy and achievements will be cherished by many generations to come. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.#Pele pic.twitter.com/mJNnyphLG0
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 29, 2022
The passing away of Pelé leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations. Condolences to his family and fans. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2022
From the time we were very young, we were introduced to the legend of Pele. And it never diminished. And it never will
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 29, 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2022
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ocr5KF239t
Soccer legend Pelé died on Thursday at the age of 82.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 29, 2022
For over 60 years Pelé stood alone as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer (1962-2022) until he was tied during this World Cup. pic.twitter.com/WbRCHnTjis
We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever grace the game 🕊️
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 29, 2022
Rest in Peace, Pele. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the bereaved 🙏🏻
📷: FIFA pic.twitter.com/3ERWubSzHT
3 - The only player to have won the FIFA Men's World Cup on three occasions is Pelé, who was victorious in 1958, 1962 and 1970 with Brazil. Champion. pic.twitter.com/xFDHZfrpTL
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) December 29, 2022
Inputs from AFP
