‘Never Been a Number 10 Like Him’: World Mourns Death of Brazilian Football Star Pele
In this file photo taken on June 25, 2008, Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nacimento, known as Pele, looks on as he attends the opening ceremony of the “Marks of the King” exhibition in Brasilia.Football great Pelé died Thursday at the age of 82 following a long battle with colon cancer. The three-time World Cup champion was hailed for his skill and grace on the pitch, truly embodying the phrase fans know as “o jogo bonito,” otherwise known as “the beautiful game.”In the few hours since the death of Pelé was confirmed, thousands of tributes have poured in from football players, fans and politicians from all around the world. Among the first of notable footballers to send their prayers and tributes to the hailed Santos player were French star Kylian Mbappé, Argentina’s Leo Messi, current free agent Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow Brazilian star Neymar.”A simple goodbye to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that hits the entire world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, today, always,” Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post. “The affection he has always shown for me was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even at distance.””He will never be forgotten and his memory will last for ever in each and everyone of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pele,” he added.In football, there are few numbers that carry the significance that the no.10 jersey does, and with Pelé, the weight that figure carried skyrocketed.World’The King of Football’: Brazilian Legend Pelé Dead at 82 After Cancer BattleYesterday, 23:25 GMT”Before Pele, ’10’ was just a number. I read that somewhere at some point in my life. But that line, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say that before Pele football was just a sport,” Neymar wrote. “Pele changed everything.””He transformed football into art, entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the Black and above all he gave Brazil visibility. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pele is eternal!”Fellow Brazilian player Richarlison acknowledged Pelé’s death as the end of football’s “most beautiful chapter,” adding that “the man charmed 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 already did what only a few can do today. The man who dedicated his 1000th goal to children and made our country discover it could be much more,” the forward player said of Pelé.
Rest easy king 👑 pic.twitter.com/V1Qa1FsZYh
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace to one of the greatest legends of the game🖤⚽😥
Your legacy will live forever.
I'm sure 'Heaven FC' with Maradona and Pele together will be invincible forever 🫶🏼🇧🇷🏆🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/KimzUxhIik— Mesut Özil (@M10) December 29, 2022
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
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) December 29, 2022
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 the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you. pic.twitter.com/oCpQlw7EIK
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 29, 2022
Among the politicos, Pelé gained tributes from former Bolivian President Evo Morales, former US President Barack Obama, US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, who Pelé served under as sports minister.”Pele is an incontestable symbol of our nation, a source of pride for all of us. Beyond his achievements as a legend of world sport, Pele was an exemplary public officer, loyal to his principles, values and to our country,” Cardoso said. “We all lose in his departure.”
The Wembley arch lit up in Brazil colours this evening in honour of Pele 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/tvqcSXD3zf
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) 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
The current Brazilian government has hailed the player as “one of the greatest athletes of all time,” going on to declare a three-day national mourning period. Offering his condolences, Brazilian President-elect Lula da Silva Pele commented in a Twitter thread that Pelé “went to make a table in heaven with Coutinho, his great partner at Santos. He now has the company of so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Sócrates, Maradona.””He left a certainty: there had never been a number 10 like him. Thank you, Pele.”Brazilian media has reported that a wake will be held on Monday in the city of Santos, where Pelé played with Santos FC from 1956 to 1974. A funeral is expected to be held on Tuesday morning following a procession.
Iconic pic.twitter.com/sGtBheUwnt
— Bob Williams (@WilliamsBob75) December 29, 2022
Pelé when Diego Maradona passed away:
“One day I hope we can play ball together in heaven” 🥹😢 pic.twitter.com/jxhfDMYac3
— Diego Montalvan (@DMontalvan) December 29, 2022
Pelé had been diagnosed with a colon tumor in September 2021; however, the following year his health took a turn for the worse after he was treated for three malignant tumors, urinary tract infection, as well as care for general swelling of the body and heart failure. He was ultimately placed on palliative care, with family members in the last several days sharing photos from the hospital of his final days.