BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
Reactions poured in from around the world to the death of Brazilian soccer legend, former Minister of Sport of Brazil and the only player in history to have won three World Cups Pele.
KNews learnt he passed away at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Thursday December 29, 2022 following a battle with cancer. He died at the age of 82. He became an icon of the game after winning the World Cup in 1958 as a 17-year-old, netting twice in the final to defeat hosts Sweden.
A message from Pele's official Twitter account on Thursday December 29, read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever."
The President of FIFA, Infantino said; for everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pelé. “O Rei” was unique in so many ways.
Former USA President, Barrack Obama twitted; Pelé 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.
Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, who has provided updates on her father's health from hospital, wrote on Instagram: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."
Kylian Mbappe twitted; The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.
Samuel Etoo twitted; Today, we say goodbye to the best ever Rest in eternal peace, Pele, you'll be missed my millions and millions Legend.
’We will celebrate you' Ronaldo, arguably the second-greatest Brazilian player of all time, thanked Pele for what he did for the nation.
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”.
Brazil football twitted; He may no longer be with us, but he made Brazil known globally and forever impacted the game of football. His legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King.
The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions.
It should be noted Pele is recorded for 1279 goals, 3 FIFA World Cups 6 Brazilian league titles 2 Copa Libertadores, FIFA Player of the Century.
Brazil legend Pele
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