Brazilian football legend Pele, who died Thursday at the age of 82, was an “inspiration for millions” of people, “a sign of yesterday, today and tomorrow,” replied Cristiano Ronaldo, the star striker of the Portugal national team.
“The affection he has always shown towards me has been reciprocated at all times, even from a distance,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote on his Instagram account, expressing “the pain that is currently affecting everyone in world football.”
Messi wrote on Instagram, “Rest in peace.”
“Rest in peace, Pele,” replied Lionel Messi, the FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina, shortly after the Brazilian soccer legend’s death was announced.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner posted his message on Instagram, captioning three photos: two of him with Pele and another of the legendary Brazilian celebrating a goal in the 1970 World Cup Final in Mexico.
Neymar is in mourning
Pele “made football an art,” announced on Instagram Neymar, his heir within the Brazil squad, after the death of the former soccer player.
“Before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything, he made football an art (…), he gave a voice to the poor and black people, and above all: he gave a vision to Brazil,” the Paris Saint-Germain forward wrote in a message captioned with a photo. The “King” of football wears a crown.
Kylian Mbappe assures that “his legacy will never be forgotten”
France and Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe paid tribute to Pele, stressing that “his legacy will never be forgotten.”
And he wrote in English on Twitter, Mbappe, in a comment on a black and white photo showing the players side by side: “The King of Football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten, rest in peace, King.”
Mbappe, who was crowned world champion in 2018 and vice-champion of the world in 2022 after France’s defeat by Argentina (3-3 points, 4 tabs to 2), is often compared to him, since he appeared at the highest level in the “king” with his speed. .
Like Pele before him, Mbappe upsets the counters by scoring 12 goals in eleven World Cup matches, spread over two editions.
One of his daughters announced on Thursday that Pele had passed away at the age of 82 after battling cancer for more than a year.
Other reactions:
. Franz Beckenbauer (Former German international, in a statement from Bayern Munich, of which he is the honorary president): “Football today suffered the greatest loss in its history, losing a unique friend. Football will be yours forever. Rest in peace.”
. Ronaldo (Former Brazilian international and 2002 world champion, on Instagram): “Unique. Great. Technical. creative. perfect. Unparalleled (…) the best of all time. The world is in mourning. It is a mixture of sadness and intense pride in the history he wrote. What a privilege to come after you, my friend. His legacy transcends generations.”
. Thomas Bach (International Olympic Committee President, on Twitter): “With the death of Pele, the world has lost a great sporting icon. As I was able to experience it myself, he was a follower of Olympic values and proudly carried the Olympic torch (during the 2016 Rio Games, editor’s note). It was an honor to award him the Olympic Medal. »
. international federation (FIFA on their website dedicated their homepage to the player): “The immortal is with us forever. Football and the world mourn King Pele. He is called the King and his face is undoubtedly one of the most famous in world football. Pele was named the greatest player of the 20th century by FIFA At his age, he has earned a place commensurate with his immense talent in the legend of world football. »
. Didier Deschamps (France national team coach): “With Pele gone, football loses one of its most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, legends. Like all legends, the King seemed immortal. You made the dream come true and continue to make generations and generations of aficionados of our sport dream. Who among us has not dreamed of being Pele As a kid?, with his No. 10, he put his technical prowess, grit, and ingenuity at the service of his teams.”
. Robert Lewandowski (Poland international and Barcelona player, on Facebook): “Rest in peace, hero. Heaven has a new star as world football lost a hero.
. Jeff Hurst (Former England international, on Twitter): “I have so many memories of Pele, without a doubt the best footballer I played against (Bobby Moore was the best player I played alongside). For me Pele is still the greatest of all time and I am proud to have I played on the same court as him.”
. New York Cosmos (The club Pele played for from 1975 to 1977): “During three seasons with the Cosmos, Pele helped change the national landscape of football. His lasting influence on the sport of football is invaluable. Not only did the Cosmos and his king (Pelé) start a sporting revolution in America, but also traveled around the world to spread the word + the beautiful game +”.
. Barack Obama (Former President of the United States, on Instagram): “Pele was one of the greatest players to play the +beautiful game+. He was also one of the most famous athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together.”
. Emmanuel Macron (President of the French Republic, on Twitter): “Le Jeu. Le Roi. Immortality”.
. Sepp Blatter (Former FIFA President): “It’s very sad news, Pele has left us. The world mourns the greatest footballer in history and an amazing person. Celebrate football like no other.”
. Zinedine Zidane (Former French international, on Instagram): “Eternal King Pelé.”
. F.C.B (on Twitter): “Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of ‘King’ Pele, one of the greatest players of all time. With him, football is even greater. Rest in peace.”
. real madrid (on Twitter): “Pelé will forever be a legend by every sports fan and his legacy makes him one of the greatest legends of world football.”
