Brazil Icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento popularly known as Pele passed away on Thursday after battling cancer.
Past and Present footballers, former presidents, and other celebrities have taken to social media and other channels to pay tribute to the man regarded as the greatest Footballer in the World.
Paris Saint Germain and Brazil Super Star Neymar took to Instagram to pay tribute to Pele.
Neymar wrote: “Before Pele, 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.
“Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Gave voice to the poor, blacks, and mostly: 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!!”
Lionel Messi, who is widely considered alongside Pele and Diego Maradona also paid tribute to the Brazilian Icon. Messi said: “Rest in peace Pele.”
Cristiano Ronaldo also said on Instagram: “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.”
Kylian Mbappe wrote on Twitter: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand also said: “The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
“I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon.”
England Legend Gary Linker also wrote on social media: “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.”
Former United States President Barrack Obama also took to Twitter to pay tribute to Pele. He 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.”
Upon the passing of Pele, the President of Brazil declared three days of National Mourning in Honor of the memory of Pele.
