Football stars, clubs, and other high-profile individuals have flooded the family of Brazil football icon Pele with tributes hours after his death was announced.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, former US President Barack Obama, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and others have paid tribute to the late football icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo wrote, “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes Nascimento. A mere goodbye to eternal king Pele will never be enough to express the pain 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 replicated in every moment we shared, even from distance. He will never be forgotten, and his memory will leave forever in each and everyone of us football lovers. Rest in Peace, King Pele.”
Lionel Messi
The seven times Ballon d’Or winner wrote, “Rest in Peace, Pele.”
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe hails Pele’s football legacy, “The King of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP Pele.”
Neymar Jr
Neymar wrote, “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I have read this phrase at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I will say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele 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. Pele is FOREVER!!!”
Barrack Obama
The former US President calls Pele the greatest, who understood the power of uniting people through football.
Obama wrote, “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.”
Paris Saint-Germain
The Ligue 1 giant wrote, “Paris Saint-Germain sends its condolences to the friends and entirety of Brazilian in this sad time. You made the magic happen. King thank you for everything.”
Real Madrid
Real Madrid hailed the “footballling legend.”
“Real Madrid Football Club, its President, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of the world footballing legend. Edson Arantes Nascimento, Pele, one of the greatest players of all time.
Real Madrid would like to express its condolences to his family, his loved ones, his clubs, the Brazil confederation, and all football fans in Brazil and around the world. The legend Pele will remain forever in the memory of all those who loved this sport, and his legacy made him one the greatest legends of world football ever.”
Barcelona
Barcelona wrote, “Barca expresses its sorrow to learn of death of the “Rei” Pele, one of the greatest footballers of all time. He made football greater than ever. May he rest in peace.”
Chelsea
Chelsea referred to the Brazil icon as the “master of the beautiful game.”
“Farewell to the king. The master of the beautiful game. Rest in Peace Pele.”
Manchester United
The Red Devils thanked the football icon for the joy he brought to football fans across the globe.
“Rest in Peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy brought to football fans across the world.”
Pele died at the age of 82 on December 29, 2022, at Albeit Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is regarded as the greatest player and the only one to have won three World Cup trophies.
