Pelé, dubbed the “King of Football”, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday. Tributes are flooding in. The football legend became one of the most recognizable sports celebrities of the 20th century after winning a record-tying three World Cups.
When he played in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, he was one of the top players in the world, if not the best. Many people rank him higher than players like Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi as the greatest player in history.
The tributes paid to the football legend you will find below:
Pelé’s official Twitter account confirmed the football king’s death on Thursday.
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
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Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Geoff Hurst, a former World Cup champion for England, praised Pele as the “best of all time.”
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
Manchester United Football Club thanked Pelé for the “pleasure” he offered to football fans all around the world.
Rest in peace, Pele.
Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ypo6NGxdqS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2022
Lionel Messi via Instagram: “Descanse em paz, Pelé”. ✨🖤 pic.twitter.com/EjQAI2DS1y
— CHOQUEI (@choquei) December 29, 2022
🎙Neymar on Instagram:
“Before Pele, 10 was just a number. Before Pele, football was just a sport. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to blacks, and visibility to Brazil. He is gone, but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER.” pic.twitter.com/5I97KPQ3vU
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) December 29, 2022
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
A Sporting Legend.
Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) December 29, 2022
One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game.
Farewell, Pelé. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bMUEat5MP2
— England (@England) December 29, 2022
