Football stars, clubs and legends have been reacting to the news of the death of Pele on Thursday, December 29.
Pele died at the age of 82 after battling with kidney and prostate problems in recent years.
In September 2021, the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo performed surgery to remove a colon tumour that had been found during normal examinations.
In late November 2022, he was admitted to the hospital once more.
Kely Nascimento, his daughter, often posted updates on social media from the hospital to inform her followers of her father’s status.
On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele’s family’s hands on his body in the hospital and wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
Following the news, here are some of the tributes that have come from some superstars and football legends as well as football clubs across the globe.
Que tristeza!🥲 29/12 a partir de hoje se tornará sempre uma data triste. A gente cresce em Santos escutando todos os dias falarem sobre você, o quão bom você era jogando e como pessoa, graças a Deus eu tive a oportunidade de te conhecer pessoalmente… pic.twitter.com/PxB6W55Dsm
— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) December 29, 2022
Sad day for the world of football.
Rest in peace, Pelé 🤍 pic.twitter.com/uVe6frAHO1
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) December 29, 2022
Pele 🤍 🕊 #thegreatest R I P pic.twitter.com/4lgOkJqDUi
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) December 29, 2022
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
One of the greatest footballers of all time. The King.
RIP Pele. 🙏🕊️ pic.twitter.com/5mp5ZLL1j1
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) December 29, 2022
The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding.
The player, The man, The icon@Pele pic.twitter.com/x763cyrqIF
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 29, 2022
👑 @Pele
The king, the legend, the synonym for football.Croatian Football Federation wishes to express the deepest condolences to his family, @CBF_Futebol, and the people of Brazil. 🇧🇷
May he rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0nDlJn6gBj
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 29, 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ocr5KF239t
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2022
A Sporting Legend.
Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) December 29, 2022
God in football boots,oh yes…A player who was my idol at 10 years old,who I played against as a 22 year old & who I loved my whole life,as did the entire world. Peerless #Pele,rest in bliss as the world cries for you,but rejoices that you blessed Your Beautiful Game.
— Ray Hudson (@RayHudson) December 29, 2022
Forever a legend.
Rest in peace, Pele. #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/dv6lrZ118P
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) December 29, 2022
RIP PELE 🙏🏿Thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family ❤️⚽ pic.twitter.com/82TS2bQsTA
— Darren Bent (@DarrenBent) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable 🙏🏼❤️🇧🇷 #pele pic.twitter.com/PErVqkERuF
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 29, 2022