BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION
"Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time. The King of Soccer was the ultimate exponent of a victorious Brazil, never afraid of any difficulty. A black, poor boy born in Tres Coracoes, Pele showed us that there is always a new path. He promised his father he would win a World Cup and he won us three, in addition to scoring 95 goals in 113 games with Brazil's national team. The King gave us a new Brazil and we can only thank him for his legacy. Thank you, Pele."
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REI PELÉ ?????? pic.twitter.com/epP8zZHRYr
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) December 29, 2022
FORMER ENGLAND PLAYER GARY LINEKER
Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. 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.
Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. 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
— Gary Lineker ???? (@GaryLineker) December 29, 2022
BRAZIL CAPTAIN AND CHELSEA PLAYER THIAGO SILVA, ON INSTAGRAM
Rest in peace 'Rei', God bless all his family"
PSG STRIKER KYLIAN MBAPPE, ON TWITTER
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.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING ????… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
LIVERPOOL ON TWITTER
A legend, icon and true great of the game who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Pele."
A legend, icon and true great of the game who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Pele. pic.twitter.com/I4UwAHmWkh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 29, 2022
BRAZIL FORWARD NEYMAR
Brazil forward Neymar hailed Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, in a social media post alongside two pictures of himself with the legend.
"Before Pele, '10' was just a number," the heir to Pele's famed shirt number wrote on Instagram.
"But that beautiful sentence is incomplete. I would say that before Pele, football was just a sport.
"He transformed football into an art, into entertainment... Football and Brazil gained status thanks to the King. He has gone, but his magic will remain. Pele is ETERNAL!"
PORTUGUESE FORWARD CRISTIANO RONALDO
Pele was hailed by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo as a "source of inspiration for so many millions".
"He is a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared, even from distance," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after the Brazilian legend passed away at the age of 82.
Ronaldo added: "He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele."
LULA, PRESIDENT-ELECT OF BRAZIL
I had the privilege that younger Brazilians didn't have: I saw Pele play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi. Play, no. I saw Pele give a show. Because when he got the ball he always did something special, which often ended up in a goal.
Fifa PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO, ON INSTAGRAM
Pele: Immortal - forever with us
FORMER BRAZIL PRESIDENT DILMA ROUSSEFF
Thank you, Pele! Thank you for the smiles you provided. For the tears of emotion. For the cries of goal. Thank you for the joy you gave the Brazilian people and the people of the world. No one has been a king so loved. I convey to the Brazilian women and to his family my immense sorrow.
ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI
"Rest in peace, @pele".
ARGENTINA PRESIDENT ALBERTO FERNANDEZ
"One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. We will always remember those years when Pele dazzled the world with his skills. A big hug to his family and to the people of Brazil who will carry him in their hearts."
FORMER ENGLAND PLAYER GEOFF HURST
"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). 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."
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). 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. pic.twitter.com/oCpQlw7EIK
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 29, 2022
BRAZIL'S LOWER HOUSE SPEAKER ARTHUR LIRA
"Brazil and the world mourn the death of our eternal number 10, the greatest soccer player of all time. I send his family my sympathies and convey, on behalf of the Lower House, a tribute to a symbol that honoured and dignified Brazil and its people. The king of soccer for the whole world. Pele, the man, leaves us. But the eternal Pele will live forever."
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again. A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family.
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again.
— FA WALES (@FAWales) December 29, 2022
A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family.
Gorffwys mewn hedd, Pele.#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/OJT6QjOfkv
URUGUAYAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
On the passing of Pele, a legend of World Football, the Uruguayan Football Association salutes with deep sorrow the Brazilian Football Confederation and the Brazilian people at this difficult time.
POLAND STRIKER ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
Rest in peace Champion. Heaven has a new star, and the football world lost a hero.
Rest in peace Champion ????
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) December 29, 2022
Heaven has a new star, and the football world lost a hero. pic.twitter.com/t6U2vV1QY4
STEFANO DOMENICALI, CEO OF FORMULA 1
Very sad to hear the news that Pele, one of (the) greatest footballers ever has passed away. He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Stefano Domenicali:
— F1 Media (@F1Media) December 29, 2022
Very sad to hear the news that Pele, one of greatest footballers ever has passed away. He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time pic.twitter.com/p4BlOgSonu
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rest in peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world
Rest in peace, Pele.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2022
Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world ?? pic.twitter.com/Ypo6NGxdqS
UNESCO
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pele. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family. Pele was @UNESCO Champion for Sport since 1994 and worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pelé. We extend our condoleances to the Brazilian people and the football family.@Pele was @UNESCO Champion for Sport since 1994 and worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
— UNESCO ??? #Education #Sciences #Culture ???? (@UNESCO) December 29, 2022
Até sempre, o Rei. pic.twitter.com/SkQeIYe6jg
CONMEBOL, SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL'S GOVERNING BODY
Already light up the sky the star of the King, the first 10, the player with more World Cups. Thank you for putting South America on top. We will miss you. You will always shine in our hearts.
Eternal Glory to the King
Já ilumina o céu a estrela do Rei, o primeiro 10, o jogador com mais Copas do Mundo. Obrigado por colocar a América do Sul no topo.
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) December 29, 2022
Sentiremos saudades. Sempre brilharás em nossos corações.
Glória Eterna ao Rei ??#PeléEterno pic.twitter.com/y6GhMJVhDM
BRAZIL MIDFIELDER CASEMIRO
Rest in peace, King Pele. Thank you for the glory you gave to Brazil and to football. Your legacy is eternal.
Descanse em paz, Rei Pelé. Obrigado pela glória que você deu ao Brasil e ao futebol. Seu legado é eterno. ??? pic.twitter.com/ehn9Ouk4ht
— Casemiro (@Casemiro) December 29, 2022
ARGENTINA WORLD CUP WINNER OSVALDO ARDILES
The King of Kings has died. Extraordinary player. Unique. Three times World Cup winner, more than 1 000 goals. My idol when young. He made football the beautiful game and truly international. My time playing alongside him in Escape to Victory was a dream come true. RIP Pele.
The King of Kings has died. Extraordinary player. Unique. 3 times World Cup winner, more than a thousand goals. My idol when young. He made football the beautiful game and truly international. My time playing alongside him in Escape to Victory was a dream come true. RIP Pele pic.twitter.com/ovlL3rA4h5
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) December 29, 2022
BRAZIL WORLD CUP WINNER RIVALDO
I am grateful to God that Pele is Brazilian. Our football is known and respected worldwide for everything he did on the pitch and this will never be forgotten. I am proud to have played in two World Cups with the number 10, which was consecrated by him.
King Pele, your legacy is eternal. May God bless and comfort the hearts of the family. Rest in Peace, King Pele.
Sou grato à Deus por @Pele ser brasileiro.
— RIVALDO FERREIRA (@RIVALDOOFICIAL) December 29, 2022
O nosso futebol é conhecido e respeitado mundialmente por tudo que ele fez em campo e jamais será esquecido. Tenho orgulho em ter jogado duas Copas do Mundo com o número 10, que foi consagrado por ele.
Rei Pelé, teu legado é eterno. pic.twitter.com/4jGK2SlkzN
PORTUGAL PRESIDENT MARCELO REBELO DE SOUSA
The President of the Republic mourns the death of Pele, the extraordinary Brazilian soccer player that enchanted us for decades.
Pele was a king of soccer, a symbol of Brazil, he marked generations and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in the most popular sport in the world.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offers his deepest condolences to the Brazilian people, to Pele's family and friends and to all those who cry for the passing of a legend.
BRAZIL FORWARD RICHARLISON
Today football bids farewell to its most beautiful chapter. Of the guy who enchanted the world and changed the history of the game forever. You will always be the greatest because 60 years ago, with all the difficulties you faced, you were already doing what very few can do today.
The guy who dedicated his 1 000th goal to the children and made our country discover that it could do so much more. You are and always will be incomparable, King. You are eternal! Thank you and may God receive you with open arms.
Hoje o futebol se despede do seu capítulo mais bonito. Do cara que dedicou seu milésimo gol ás crianças, parou guerras e mostrou pra um país inteiro que ele podia mais. Você é e sempre será incomparável e eterno, Rei. Obrigado e que Deus te receba de braços abertos ?? pic.twitter.com/jNLmAcXgpz
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) December 29, 2022
SPANISH CLUB BARCELONA
Barca deeply regrets the death of "Rei" Pele, one of the greatest players of all time. With him, football became greater. May he rest in peace.
Barça expresses its sorrow to learn of the death of the "Rei" Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time. He made football greater than ever. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/r8TQbVyN28
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 29, 2022
FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.
Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him. pic.twitter.com/urGRDePaPv
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2022
NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
Obrigado, Pele. No one did more for this sport here, and everywhere. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Obrigado, Pelé ????????
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) December 29, 2022
No one did more for this sport here, and everywhere.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/OeYFKnMabI
FRANCE COACH DIDIER DESCHAMPS
With the passing of Pele, football has lost one of its most beautiful legends, if not the most beautiful. Like all legends, the King seemed immortal. It made people dream and continued to make generations and generations of fans of our sport.
Who hasn't dreamed, as a child, of being Pele? With his number 10, he put his technical virtuosity, his audacity, his creativity at the service of his teams and especially that of Brazil with whom he won three World Cups.
Pele was the alliance of beauty and efficiency. His talent and track record will remain forever etched in our memories. To his family, loved ones and the Brazilian people, I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy. The king will remain the king, forever.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH
With Pele's passing, the world has lost a great sporting icon. As I could experience myself, he was a true believer in the Olympic values and a proud carrier of the Olympic flame. It was a privilege to present the Olympic Order to him.
"With Pelé’s passing, the world has lost a great sporting icon. As I could experience myself, he was a true believer in the Olympic values and a proud carrier of the Olympic flame. It was a privilege to present the Olympic Order to him."
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) December 29, 2022
- IOC President Thomas Bach /1 pic.twitter.com/YHvTGlyU5x
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
The game. The king. Eternity.
Le Jeu. Le Roi. L’Éternité.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 29, 2022
O Jogo. O Rei. A Eternidade. pic.twitter.com/ZjeaF7zIGx
FORMER BRAZIL STRIKER RONALDO
Unique. Genius. Technical. Creative. Perfect. Unequalled. Where Pele has gone, he has stayed. Never having left the top, he leaves us today. The king of football - one and only. The greatest of all time.
The world mourns. The sadness of farewell mixed with the immense pride of the history written.
What a privilege to come after you, my friend. Your talent is a school that every player should go through. Your legacy transcends generations. And that is how you will live on. Today and always, we will celebrate you.
Additional reporting from AFP