The death of a Brazilian football legend, Firsthas drawn many reactions from those in the football fraternity and sports in general.
Described as one of the best players to ever play the game, if not the best himself, Pele commands the respect of his peers and he is respected by those who have come after him in the world of football.
Even though the names of the duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo came up during the debate on who is the greatest of all time (GOAT), both players paid tribute to Pele while acknowledging his incredible talent and achievements.
Here are some of the best reactions from football legends as well as some football clubs and national teams.
“A simple farewell to the eternal Raja Pelé will not be enough to express the pain that exists throughout the world of football today. An inspiration for millions, a reference from yesterday, today, always. The love you always show me is reciprocal in every the moment we shared, even in the distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in every football lover. Rest in peace, King Pelé” – Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi, in a post through his Instagram and Facebook accounts, posted a photo of himself and Pele in suits and wrote: “Rest in peace, @pele.
“Before Pelé, ’10’ was just a number. I read that somewhere at some point in my life. But that line, beautiful, incomplete. I would say that before football Pelé was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He changed football became art, entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to the Blacks and above all he gave Brazil visibility. Football and Brazil rose to the top thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will remain . Pele is eternal!”— Brazilian star Neymar.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.” – French player Kylian Mbappé.
“With the death of Pelé, football has lost one of the greatest legends, if not the greatest. Like all legends, the King seems to be eternal. He made people dream and continues to do so with generations and generations of our sports lovers. Who is still didn’t you dream of becoming Pele?” – Didier Deschamps, former player and manager of the French national team
“It is very difficult to find another Pelé. Pelé has everything a player should have. Agile, jumps like no one else, can kick with both feet, physically strong and brave. There is no one like Pelé” – Cesar Luis Menotti, Argentine coach and Pele’s teammate at Santos soccer club in Brazil
“Today football says goodbye to the best thing. The man who surprised 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 did what only a few people can do today. People who dedicate 1000 times goals for children and make our country discover that they can do more” – Brazilian player Richarlison
“Pele is dead. The most magical of football players and fun people. They play games only a select few are close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us, but he certainly has football immortality. RIP Pele” – Former England player and broadcaster Gary Linker
“Calm down, Pele. Thank you for the joy you bring to football fans around the world” – Former England player Geoff Hurst
“A great legend, icon and game that will be remembered forever. Rest in peace, Pele.” – Liverpool FC
“Real Madrid CF, the President and the Board of Directors deeply regret the death of world football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, one of the best players of all time.
“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences to his family, his loved ones, the club, the Brazilian Confederation and all football fans in Brazil and around the world” – Real Madrid
“Barca deeply regret the death” of Rei (King) Pele, one of the best players of all time. With him, football became bigger. May he rest in peace” – Barcelona
“Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to beat Cymru. Today our hearts are broken again. A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the Brazilians and the world football family” – Football Association of Wales
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