Tributes are pouring out from the football world and beyond following the death of Brazilian legend Pele at the age of 82.
Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gary Lineker and Sir Geoff Hurst were among those who posted on social media after Pele’s death was announced on Thursday following the three-time world champion’s battle with colon cancer.
Shortly after news of Pele’s death was confirmed, Neymar released an emotional statement on Instagram.
Neymar has posted an emotional message in honor of the legendary Brazilian star who has passed away at the age of 82
Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and his death will be mourned around the world
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number,” wrote the PSG and Brazil star. “Somewhere, sometime in my life, I read this sentence.
“But this beautiful sentence is incomplete. I would say that before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment.
“Giving a voice to the poor, black people and especially the poor: Brazil made visible. Football and Brazil have risen in status thanks to the king!
“He’s gone, but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!’
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has also posted on social media in honor of Pelé. ‘Unique. Cool. Technically. Creative. Perfect. Unique. Where Pelé arrived, he stayed. Without ever leaving the top, he is leaving us today. The king of football – just one The greatest of all time,” he said.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has said Pele’s legacy will “last for generations” after he died aged 82
“The world of sadness. The sadness of parting mingled with the immense pride of written history.
“What a privilege to come after you, my friend. Your talent is a school that every player should go through. Your legacy will last for generations. And so it will stay alive. Today and always we celebrate you.
“Thank you, Pele. Rest in peace.’
Hurst said: “I have so many memories of Pele, without a doubt the best footballer I’ve ever played against (where Bobby Moore was the best footballer I’ve ever played with). For me, Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.’
Sir Geoff Hurst paid tribute to Pele with a heartfelt post on social media following the Brazilian’s death
Gary Lineker also took to Twitter following Pele’s death at the age of 82
Lineker also paid tribute to a player many consider the greatest of all time.
“Pele has died,” wrote the former England international. “The most divine of footballers and the happiest of men.
‘He played a game only a select few have come close to. He lifted the most coveted gold trophy 3 times in this beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us, but he will always have footballing immortality. RIP Pelé.’
Marcus Rashford simply said, “Rest easy king,” along with a picture of Pele holding the World Cup trophy.
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Pele’s life off the field was as colorful as his famous Brazil jersey – he had seven children, many affairs, mixed with presidents, acted in films and even broke the taboo around Viagra
With Pele’s death at the age of 82, football has lost “The King”. For so long he’s been hailed as the greatest player of all time, but now Sportsmail is asking: Who is REALLY the greatest player of all time: Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Messi or Ronaldo?
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Pele has died at the age of 82 after his battle with colon cancer with the world of football in mourning for the Brazilian legend
Pele is Brazil’s biggest soccer icon and the country’s soccer federation posted a picture of the great man on Twitter after his death, accompanied by three crowns to symbolize his World Cup victory.
Mbappe said alongside a photo with the Brazilian: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.’
Former player and pundit Gary Neville also posted on Twitter.
“Rest in peace the legend Pele. What a smile,” Neville wrote, accompanied by a picture of him with the iconic character, a yellow heart emoji and a Brazil flag.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “My deepest condolences to all of Brazil and especially to Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s family.
“A mere ‘goodbye’ from 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 returned in every moment we shared, even remotely. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on in each and every one of us football lovers forever.
“Rest in peace, King Pele.”
Honors also came from outside of football. Legendary Jamaican athlete and world record holder Usain Bolt said: “A sports legend. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
It was later confirmed that the Wembley Arch would be lit up in the colors of Brazil as a tribute to the 82-year-old legend.
Pele, a man who went beyond his sport and was a global icon, learned on December 21 his colon cancer had progressed and was told he would remain in hospital over Christmas – as the iconic striker was diagnosed with heart and Renal dysfunction had to be treated.
He had previously been hospitalized on November 30 with swelling all over his body and “congestive heart failure” before dying a month after receiving palliative care.
Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram: “We owe you a debt of gratitude. we love you endlessly Rest in peace.’
Nascimento, who posted before Christmas that members of Pele’s family would be spending the holiday season with him in the hospital, added three heartbroken emojis.
No details have been released about the funeral, but a vigil will be held in Vila Belmiro in Santos, the city where the great are buried.
Pele, who was being treated for metastatic cancer, came to Albert Einstein Hospital for an unscheduled visit after being taken away by his wife, Marcia Aoki, and a nurse.
Pele’s daughter shared a heartfelt message on Instagram following the death of her father
The Einstein’s medical staff confirmed his condition as anasarca (general swelling), edema syndrome (general edema), and even noted “congestive heart failure.”
It was also reported that his chemotherapy for his cancer was no longer working.
When he was hospitalized in November, he was diagnosed with mental confusion where he was restless.
Nascimento posted on Instagram with the message: “Thank you. we love you endlessly Rest in peace.’
Days before his death, Nascimento shared an emotional photo of her hugging her father in the hospital