Sporting greats from across the globe have reacted to the death of Brazilian football legend Pele after his daughter announced the news on Instagram.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known the world over as Pele, had been diagnosed with colon cancer and died in hospital on Thursday afternoon (early Friday AEDT), aged 82.
Brazil’s Dani Alves, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Brazil’s soccer legend Pele and Brazil’s Neymar, from left, stand together after Messi was awarded the prize for the soccer player of the year 2011 at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony in Zurich.Credit:AP
The three-time world cup winner is widely considered the greatest footballer of the 20th century, rising from poverty to become one of the best-known players of all time.
Brazilian football superstar Neymar da Silva Santos paid tribute to Pele on Friday by posting a message on his Instagram page.
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number,” he wrote.
“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.”
During the recent World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, Neymar equalled Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil during their match against Croatia.
Brazil captain and Chelsea player Thiago Silva also took to Instagram, writing: “Rest in peace. God bless all his family.”
Beyond Brazilian shores, Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe also reacted to the news via social media, writing: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
Argentina’s Lionel Messi had a simple message, posting a photo on his Instagram page alongside the Brazilian with the caption “Rest in peace Pele.”
Similarly, Portugal’s Christian Ronaldo posted a photo with Pele on his Instagram.
“A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing,” he wrote in a caption to the post.
“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.”
In a tribute of his own, Pele in 2020 reacted to the death of Argentina’s Diego Maradona by stating: “One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.”
In an echo of the statement, Maradona’s former club Napoli posted a photo of the pair holding hands in the afterlife, both wearing their shared number 10.
“Eternal,” the club wrote.
