The sports world lost one of its biggest icons on Thursday. Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died after a long battle had colon cancer, his agent and his daughter confirmed. He was 82 years old.
Pele, from Tres Coracoes, Brazil, entered the world football arena at the age of 17, playing in the 1958 World Cup. He is the only male footballer to have won three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He scored 77 goals in official international matches against the national team.
He played for Brazilian club Santos from 1956-74 and with the New York Cosmos, of the North American Football League, from 1975-77.
the eternal. pic.twitter.com/N912VpCmVK
– Santos FC (@SantosFC) December 29, 2022
REI PELE pic.twitter.com/epP8zZHRYr
– CBF Football (@CBF_Futebol) December 29, 2022
NeymarPele’s countryman and Brazilian icon in his own right, said “Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave people a voice. poor, for blacks and most of all, he put Brazil on the map.”
of France Kylian Mbappe drew comparisons with Pele. Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup at the age of 19 and played the final in 2022 at the age of 23. Mbappe and Pele are the only teenage players to score at a World Cup.
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud– Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the few players, next to Lionel Messiwho is mentioned alongside Pele as the game’s greatest player, called Pele “an inspiration to so many millions, a legend of yesterday, today and forever.”
Pele is known the world over and is an ambassador for the sport. While he has never played professionally in the biggest leagues, Europe’s top clubs have shared their thoughts.
Forever King.
Paris Saint-Germain sends its condolences to friends, family and all Brazilians during this sad time.
You’ve done wonders, King.
Thank you for everything. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/BezS5S63i6– Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 29, 2022
Pelé has left us today. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in peace. https://t.co/PlAnivIVe2
– Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 29, 2022
Forever a legend.
Rest in peace, Pelé. #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/dv6lrZ118P
– English AS Roma (@ASRomaEN) December 29, 2022
We were deeply saddened to hear of Pele’s passing.
As a club, we were honored to host Pele in 1981, at Highbury. A memory we will always cherish.
Our thoughts, along with the entire football community, are with Pele’s loved ones today. pic.twitter.com/PZgWmXvSRh
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 29, 2022
Barça expressed its grief upon learning of the death of “Rei” Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time. He made football greater than ever. You can rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/r8TQbVyN28
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 29, 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of football legend Pelé. We can convey our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
Rest in peace, Rei. pic.twitter.com/KtnZMGuz7d
– AC Milan (@acmilan) December 29, 2022
Farewell to the king. Master of the beautiful game.
Rest in peace, Pelé. pic.twitter.com/Cd7xccxX9B
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace, Pelé.
Thank you for the joy you bring to football fans around the world ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ypo6NGxdqS
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2022
️
Rest in peace, Pelé. pic.twitter.com/uEN8Bep0ci
– Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) December 29, 2022
Pele’s play on the international stage has made him a legend. Besides winning World Cups, he scored 12 World Cup goals, including two in the 1958 final at the age of 17. England have won finals against Sweden (1958), Czechoslovakia (1962) and Italy (1970).
One of the greatest has adorned the game beautifully.
Farewell, Pelé. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bMUEat5MP2
– England (@England) December 29, 2022
One of the greatest players ever did it. ️
RIP, 𝑅𝑒𝒾. ️👑
: @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/NdO3ZoqCEs
– Mexico national team (@miseleccionmxEN) December 29, 2022
Our sport has lost a legend.
Rest in peace, Pelé. pic.twitter.com/mQQ4DvyCGT
– United States men’s national soccer team (@USMNT) December 29, 2022
