Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, died Thursday, December 29, at the age of 82. After the announcement of this disappearance, many tributes were paid to the “King”, triple world champion in the jersey of Brazil. ” His legacy will never be forgotten “, notably welcomed the French Kylian Mbappé.
Football is in mourning with Pele’s death, which occurred in São Paulo on December 29. Legendary Brazilian striker, three-time world champion with the famous Seleçao (1958, 1962, 1970), the striker marked the history of his sport. Today, with his death at the age of 82, the whole football world is crying and praying. Tributes pour in from everywhere.
The family of the “King” spoke first. It was she who announced to the world the death of the champion. ” Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you endlessly. Rest in peace “wrote Kely Nascimento on Instagram.
Kylian Mbappe, the striker of the France team, reacted quickly on social networks. The PSG player, who had met Pelé several times and received his warm congratulations when he won the 2018 World Cup, wrote in English: ” The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, King. »
” He made football an art “, greets Neymar
Neymar, one of the genius’s successors in the Brazil jersey, could not remain silent. On Instagram, the striker posted a photo of Pelé wearing a crown, along with these words: ” Before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He made football an art (…), he gave a voice to the poor, to blacks, and above all: he gave visibility to Brazil. ” Neymar, who equaled the record of goals of his eldest in the national team during the last World Cup (77 achievements), adds that ” its magic will endure “.
The greatest players, of today and yesterday, salute the Auriverde icon. ” Rest in peace “Writes respectfully the Argentinian Lionel Messi, sevenfold Ballon d’Or who just won the 2022 World Cup.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo pays homage to a giant who was ” an inspiration to millions of people. ” The affection he has always shown towards me has been reciprocal at all times, even from a distance. “, continues CR7.
Ronaldo, real full name Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, talks about a man ” unique, brilliant, technical, creative, perfect, incomparable “. ” What a privilege to have succeeded you, my friend », Also says the former player, double world champion with Brazil (1994, 2002).
Franz Beckenbauer, who played for a time with Pelé, reacted with emotion to this disappearance. ” Football today lost the greatest in its history, and I lost a unique friend. Football will be yours forever. Rest in peace “, said in a press release the German “Kaiser”.
” The immortal forever with us »
The International Football Federation (Fifa) has changed the pagination of its website to honor the memory of Pelé, ” the immortal forever with us “. She had herself designated the Brazilian “Footballer of the 20th century”.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president-elect of Brazil who will officially succeed Jair Bolsonaro on January 1, says that ” there has never been a number 10 like him “. The current presidency of Brazil applauds it ” one of the greatest athletes of all time “, as well as ” great citizen and patriot “.
” Few Brazilians have taken our country’s name as far as he does. “, he adds. For French President Emmanuel Macron, Pelé represents “ the Game, the King, Eternity “.
Considered a national treasure in his country, Pelé had known only two professional clubs during his playing career: Santos FC, then the American formation of New York Cosmos. Santos club says “ Thanks, King “, while the Cosmos measures the immensity of the Brazilian who wore his colors: ” His lasting impact on football is invaluable. »