He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.
The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000. He had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years.
Pele had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.
On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body in hospital and wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
The hospital confirmed that Pele died “due to the failure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous clinical condition”.
World leaders have been creating to this sad news. Africa News 360 brings you some of these reactions:
Kenya President
Kenyan president, William Samoei Ruto wrote on Twitter: “Pele made millions of young boys in the Global South to dream”.
“His profile as a Global icon of sporting excellence and high athletic achievement was an inspirational model which encouraged young men to transcend their limitations and defy all economic, social, cultural and political barriers”.
“His legacy extends beyond the soccer pitch, the goals he scored and all his other exploits beyond soccer itself where his charisma and talent made wonderful things possible to authentic global leadership of a unique, talismanic kind. May his soul rest in peace,” he concluded.
United States President
United States president, Joe Biden also wrote on Twitter: “For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible”.
“Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him”.
Nigeria President
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has mourned Brazil football legend Pele, describing him as one whom the world will never forget for his contributions to the sport of football.
“May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general,” Buhari said in his tribute according to a statement by presidential aide Garba Shehu.
“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman. He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP.”
Former U.S. President
Barack Obama has also paid tribute to the football legend: “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”.
Tributes by other Superstar
Usain Bolt
The former world champ also paid tribute to the legend: “A Sporting Legend. Rest in Peace King Pele ????️”
Leonel Messi
Argentina Captain Leonel Messi also posted a picture of himself and Pele with the caption: “Rest in peace, @pele”.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Football legend CR7 also paid tribute to Pele on his Instagram account: “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 ????????⚽️????????” the Portugal captain concluded.
Neymar Jr
Brazilain footballer Neymar Jr has also added his voice to Pele’s tributes: “Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete”.
“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!!” Neymar wrote on Instagram
