The world reacts to the death of Brazil legend Pele: 'More than the greatest of all time'
BRAZIL GOVERNMENT STATEMENT
Pele, the King of Soccer, was one of the greatest athletes of all time. The only three-time world champion showed by his actions that, in addition to being a great athlete, he was also a great citizen and patriot, taking the name of Brazil wherever he went.
The President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, prays to God to receive him in His arms and give all his family and friends strength and faith to overcome this difficult moment.
LULA, PRESIDENT-ELECT OF BRAZIL
I had the privilege that younger Brazilians didn't have: I saw Pele play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi. Play, no. I saw Pele give a show. Because when he got the ball he always did something special, which often ended up in a goal.
FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO
Pele: Immortal - forever with us
FORMER BRAZIL PRESIDENT DILMA ROUSSEFF
Thank you, Pele! Thank you for the smiles you provided. For the tears of emotion. For the cries of goal. Thank you for the joy you gave the Brazilian people and the people of the world. No one has been a king so loved. I convey to the Brazilian women and to his family my immense sorrow.
FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
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.
BRAZIL'S FOUR-TIMES WORLD CUP WINNER MARIO ZAGALLO
My biggest partner is gone and it's with that smile that I'm going to keep you with me. Friend of so many stories, victories and titles and that leaves an eternal and unforgettable legacy.
The person who stopped the world several times. The person who made shirt 10 the most respected. A Brazilian who defended our country around the world. Today the world weeping for and says goodbye to the greatest of all. From the King of Football. Thanks for everything @pele. You're eternal. I love you, I love you.
BRAZIL FORWARD NEYMAR
Before Pele, "10" was just a number.
I read that phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.
But that phrase, beautiful, is incomplete.
I'd say before Pele, football was just a sport.
Pele changed everything.
He turned football into art, into entertainment.
He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially:
It gave visibility to Brazil.
Football and Brazil have elevated their status thanks to the King!
He's gone, but his magic will remain.
Pele is ETERNAL!!
BRAZIL CAPTAIN THIAGO SILVA
Rest in peace 'Rei' (King), God bless all his family
BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION
"Pele was much more than the greatest sportsman of all time. The King of Soccer was the ultimate exponent of a victorious Brazil, never afraid of any difficulty. A black, poor boy born in Tres Coracoes, Pele showed us that there is always a new path. He promised his father he would win a World Cup and he won us three, in addition to scoring 95 goals in 113 games with Brazil's national team. The King gave us a new Brazil and we can only thank him for his legacy. Thank you, Pele."
THE PELE FOUNDATION
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.
Love, love and love, forever.
ARGENTINA PRESIDENT ALBERTO FERNANDEZ
"One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. We will always remember those years when Pele dazzled the world with his skills. A big hug to his family and to the people of Brazil who will carry him in their hearts."
PORTUGAL STRIKER CRISTIANO RONALDO
My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere "goodbye" to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that embraces the whole world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, of today, of always. The affection he always showed for me was reciprocated in all the moments we shared, even at a distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will last forever in each one of us, football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pele.
FRANCE STRIKER KYLIAN MBAPPE
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING ...
FORMER ENGLAND PLAYER GEOFF HURST
"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 pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you."
BRAZIL'S LOWER HOUSE SPEAKER ARTHUR LIRA
"Brazil and the world mourn the death of our eternal number 10, the greatest soccer player of all time. I send his family my sympathies and convey, on behalf of the Lower House, a tribute to a symbol that honored and dignified Brazil and its people. The king of soccer for the whole world. Pele, the man, leaves us. But the eternal Pele will live forever."
FORMER ENGLAND PLAYER GARY LINEKER
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.
A-League
"Paying tribute to an icon. Supporters are encouraged to join a moment of applause before every game in the A-League this weekend to celebrate the life and football of @Pele, who has passed away aged 82," the A-League said in a statement on social media.
"May he rest in peace."
The minute's applause was observed ahead of Western United's home game against Brisbane Roar on Friday.
Brazilian tennis player Thiago Monteiro, who is in Australia for the United Cup mixed teams tournament, said it was a sad day for Brazil.
"Pele was our biggest idol in sports. He did so much even for the country, to showing Brazil to the world, and we had a lot of respect for him," Monteiro told reporters.
"I think he was the first athlete in Brazil that we could have this reference, that we could get some of this passion about what we are doing, what we have to do to achieve our dreams, and for sure it was example for us."
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again. A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family.
URUGUAYAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
On the passing of Pele, a legend of World Football, the Uruguayan Football Association salutes with deep sorrow the Brazilian Football Confederation and the Brazilian people at this difficult time.
POLAND STRIKER ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
Rest in peace Champion. Heaven has a new star, and the football world lost a hero.
STEFANO DOMENICALI, CEO OF FORMULA 1
Very sad to hear the news that Pele, one of (the) greatest footballers ever has passed away. He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rest in peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world
UNESCO
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pele. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family. Pele was @UNESCO Champion for Sport since 1994 and worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
CONMEBOL, SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL'S GOVERNING BODY
Already light up the sky the star of the King, the first 10, the player with more World Cups. Thank you for putting South America on top. We will miss you. You will always shine in our hearts.
Eternal Glory to the King
BRAZIL MIDFIELDER CASEMIRO
Rest in peace, King Pele. Thank you for the glory you gave to Brazil and to football. Your legacy is eternal.
ARGENTINA WORLD CUP WINNER OSVALDO ARDILES
The King of Kings has died. Extraordinary player. Unique. Three times World Cup winner, more than 1,000 goals. My idol when young. He made football the beautiful game and truly international. My time playing alongside him in Escape to Victory was a dream come true. RIP Pele.
BRAZIL WORLD CUP WINNER RIVALDO
I am grateful to God that Pele is Brazilian. Our football is known and respected worldwide for everything he did on the pitch and this will never be forgotten. I am proud to have played in two World Cups with the number 10, which was consecrated by him.
King Pele, your legacy is eternal. May God bless and comfort the hearts of the family. Rest in Peace, King Pele.
PORTUGAL PRESIDENT MARCELO REBELO DE SOUSA
The President of the Republic mourns the death of Pele, the extraordinary Brazilian soccer player that enchanted us for decades.
Pele was a king of soccer, a symbol of Brazil, he marked generations and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in the most popular sport in the world.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offers his deepest condolences to the Brazilian people, to Pele's family and friends and to all those who cry for the passing of a legend.
BRAZIL FORWARD RICHARLISON
Today football bids farewell to its most beautiful chapter. Of the guy who enchanted the world and changed the history of the game forever. You will always be the greatest because 60 years ago, with all the difficulties you faced, you were already doing what very few can do today.
The guy who dedicated his 1,000th goal to the children and made our country discover that it could do so much more. You are and always will be incomparable, King. You are eternal! Thank you and may God receive you with open arms.
SPANISH CLUB BARCELONA
Barca deeply regrets the death of "Rei" Pele, one of the greatest players of all time. With him, football became greater. May he rest in peace.
FRANCE COACH DIDIER DESCHAMPS
With the passing of Pele, football has lost one of its most beautiful legends, if not the most beautiful. Like all legends, the King seemed immortal. It made people dream and continued to make generations and generations of fans of our sport.
Who hasn't dreamed, as a child, of being Pele? With his number 10, he put his technical virtuosity, his audacity, his creativity at the service of his teams and especially that of Brazil with whom he won three World Cups.
Pele was the alliance of beauty and efficiency. His talent and track record will remain forever etched in our memories. To his family, loved ones and the Brazilian people, I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy. The king will remain the king, forever.
