Tributes pour in for Pele as the Brazilian football legend passes away at 82
The government of Brazil has declared three days of mourning for the late star.
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Dec 30, 2022 2:38 pm
Pelle: (Image Source: Twitter)
Brazilian football legend Pele died on Thursday, December 29, 2022, following a prolonged battle with cancer, his agent, Joe Fraga has confirmed. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele is the only man to have lifted the World Cup trophy on three occasions as he helped Brazil to success at the 1958, 1962, and 1970 editions of the tournament.
It is reported that a vigil will be held at Vila Belmiro in Santos, where Pele will be buried, but no official details about the funeral arrangements have been made public by the family as yet.
‘Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. 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,’ read a post shared on the footballing icon’s social media accounts soon after his death.
The footballing world was united in paying tribute to a true great following his passing.
Brazilian footballers, both current and former, took to social media to express their feelings following the news.
“Before Pele, “10” was just a number. I read that phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But that phrase, beautiful, is incomplete. I’d say before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: It gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil have elevated their status thanks to the King! He’s gone, but his magic will remain. Pele is ETERNAL!!,” wrote current Brazilian superstar Neymar on Instagram.
‘What a privilege to come after you, my friend. Your talent is a school every player should go through. His legacy transcends generations. And that’s how you’ll live on. Today and always, we will celebrate you. Thank you, Pele. Rest in peace,’ wrote Ronaldo Nazario.
Que privilégio vir depois de você, meu amigo. Seu talento é uma escola pela qual todo jogador deveria passar. Seu legado transcende gerações. E é assim que seguirá vivo. Hoje e sempre, celebraremos você.
Other notable personalities from the world of football also expressed their condolences and their admiration of Pele.
Cristiano Ronaldo also mourned Pele’s passing, writing ‘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 🙏🏽⚽️🇧🇷’ on Instagram.
Kylian Mbappe also shared a simple message on social medusa, saying, ‘The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING …’
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
I went to School with a young boy called Pelle at Jan Jonker Afrikaner School in Katutura. He was the best soccer player I had ever seen. His real name was Tate-ati Pengeyo from Odibo. Names of legends will be known after they are gone! RIP. pic.twitter.com/X4fapdA8tw
