The announcement of the death of “King” Pelé has moved several public figures who pay tribute to him. France and Paris SG striker Kylian Mbappé stressed that “his legacy will never be forgotten”.
“The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten, rest in peace, King”, wrote in English on Twitter Mbappé, in caption of a black and white photo showing the two players side by side.
“He gave visibility to Brazil”
Pelé “made football an art,” said Neymar, his heir to the Brazilian selection, on Instagram. “Before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything, he made football an art (…), he gave a voice to the poor, to blacks, and above all: he gave visibility to Brazil, ”wrote the Paris SG striker in a message illustrated with a photo of the “King” of football wearing a crown.
Cristiano Ronaldo underlined that Pelé had been “a source of inspiration for millions” of people, “a reference yesterday, today and tomorrow”. “The affection he has always shown towards me has been reciprocated at all times, even from a distance,” wrote the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on his Instagram account, expressing “the pain that is currently affecting everyone in the world. soccer “.
“Rest in peace, Pelé,” reacted Lionel Messi, winner of the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He posted his message on Instagram, captioning three photos: two of himself with Pelé and another of the legendary Brazilian celebrating a goal in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico.
Cosmos New York, the only club where Pelé has played outside of his historic team Santos FC, hailed on Thursday the “invaluable” and “lasting” impact the legendary footballer has had on football. “His lasting impact on the sport of football is invaluable,” the club where Pelé played for three seasons said in a statement, giving “soccer” an audience unlike that which it enjoyed before his arrival in the United States. United.
The political tribute
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the memory of “King” Pelé, tweeting “Le Jeu. Le Roi. Eternity”. “Few footballers have reached the rank of legend. Only one had become a King: Pelé. The kingdom of football is in mourning, ”reacted French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
Brazilian President-elect Lula said on Twitter that “there has never been a number 10 like him”. “Few Brazilians have carried the name of our country as far as he has,” added Lula, who will be inducted on Sunday, posting several photos of him and the legendary striker who died of cancer in a hospital in Sao Paulo.