Cristiano Ronaldo and Gary Lineker are amongst the high-profile names who have paid tribute to honour Brazil hero Pele after the three-time World Cup winner passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. The footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest to have graced the game, died in hospital on Thursday after succumbing to his battle with cancer, with his family spending the final days of his life by his bedside.
Pele, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was perhaps best known for his role in three World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
The former Santos man had been undergoing treatment at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, Brazil since November 29 for worsening colon cancer as well as heart and kidney problems. He revealed he was battling cancer in September 2021 and had been in a critical condition since Christmas Eve.
Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed her father had passed away with a post on Instagram of Pele’s hand clasped together with hers and her family’s, along with three broken-heart emojis: “Everything we are is thanks to you, we love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” she wrote in her native Portuguese.
A post then appeared on Pele’s official Instagram page, which has 13.5 million followers, to mark a tribute to his life. “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today,” it read.
“On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love. His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever.”
Portugal star Ronaldo posted to his 525 million followers on Instagram a lengthy tribute, along with a picture of himself greeting the Brazil champion: “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento,” he said.
“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.”
Former England international Lineker posted an emotional tribute to Pele and said he would have “footballing immortality” after his death.
“Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men,” Lineker tweeted. “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.”
Santos, the club where Pele began his career at the age of just 15 and scored an incredible 618 goals in his glittering career, posted a touching tribute to their fallen hero with an image of a king’s crown and the word ‘Eterno’.
England’s World Cup 1966 winner Sir Geoff Hurst described Pele as the “best footballer” he had faced in his career after paying homage to his career.
“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),” he said. “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.”
Former Chelsea captain John Terry was one of the first to react to the news of Pele’s death with an image of the Brazil legend and a heartbroken emoji and Brazil flag accompanying his caption: “RIP”.
Other footballers Thiago Silva, Luis Suarez and released their own poignant memories of the late Brazil hero after hearing of his passing.
Brazil international and PSG star Neymar, who with 77 goals is tied with Pele for the most goals scored by a Brazilian player at international level, wrote an emotional post on his official Instagram page.
“Before Pele, 10 was just a number. Before Pele, football was just a sport,” Neymar wrote. “He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to blacks, and visibility to Brazil.
“He is gone, but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER.”
Neymar’s team-mate Kylian Mbappe joined the hundreds of football names from around the world to have their say on Pele’s extraordinary career, posting an image of him on his Instagram stories.
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