Pele’s family: “Inspiration and love shaped the journey of King Pelé, who passed away peacefully today. On his journey, Edson enchanted everyone with his genius in sports, stopped a war, did social work around the world and spread what he was for held the panacea for all our troubles: love. His message in life will become a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love forever.”
Kely Nascimento, Pelé’s daughter: “Everything we are, we are because of you. We love you forever. Rest in peace”
Brazil Football Association CBF: “Pelé, king forever.”
neymar (together with Pelé record goalscorer of the Brazilian national team): “Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I read this sentence somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, as beautiful as it is, is incomplete. I would say, before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He made football an art, an entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to the black people, and above all: he made Brazil visible. Football and Brazil have increased their status thanks to the king ! He’s gone, but his magic will remain. Pele is FOREVER!!”
Young Pelé in the 1958 World Cup final in Stockholm. He wins his first of three world titles. No player ever won more.
(Photo: Horstmüller/imago images)
Zico (71-time Brazil international): “Adeus, King Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Our Pelé left us today. The eternal number 10 was and will always be one of the greatest idols in world football, an inspiration for all generations. It will be forever be in our hearts!”
Gerson (World Champion with Pelé 1970): “A king does not die, a king only rests. I had the honor of playing with Pelé and also against him. A true genius, among the few I have met. He has the world with him Enchanted by his unique football was worthy of all the accolades and trophies he has won during his brilliant and unparalleled career in the sport. His grandiose work, his sensational goals, his magnificent vision of the game will be remembered for eternity. From the heart, Pele, thank you for everything you have done for Brazilian and world football. May the king rest in peace and may God comfort his friends, family and his millions of fans.”
Romario (1994 World Champion): “Today, Brazil bids farewell to one of its most famous sons: Pelé, the king of football. Voted Athlete of the Century, Edson Arantes do Nascimento made the world bow to his talent and brought Brazilian football to the altar of the gods .”
cafu (World Champion 1994 and 2002): “Today I lost my brother. As a Catholic Christian I know that one is born to eternal life by dying. We will have all eternity to be together in the Father’s house. Until one day, Pele.”
Roberto Carlos (World Champion 2002): “The world of football thanks you for everything you have done for us, thank you King Pele.”
Rivaldo (World Champion 2002): I thank God that Pelé is Brazilian. Our football is known and respected around the world for everything it has done on the pitch and that will never be forgotten. I’m proud to have played in two World Cups with the number 10 he inaugurated. King Pelé, your legacy is eternal. May God bless and comfort the hearts of the family. Rest in peace, King Pele.”
Franz Beckenbauer: “Football lost the greatest in its history today – and I lost a unique friend. Born in Tres Coracoes, Pelé had three hearts: for football, for his family and for all people. One who played with the stars and was always on the I went to the United States in 1977 because I really wanted to play with Pelé at Cosmos New York. That time at his side was one of the greatest experiences of my career. We became US champions together straight away, and Pelé He then called me his brother. It was an unimaginable honor for me. Football will be yours forever! You will always be. Thank you for your game, O Rei!”
Uli Hoeneß: “I will never forget how I sat in front of the television at the 1970 World Cup and just as much as the whole world admired this unique player: Like from another universe! Pelé was a gift – a gift to the entire football family.”
German Football League DFL: “The football world mourns the loss of one of the greatest players of all time. Rest in peace, Pele.”
Lionel Messi: “Rest in peace, Pelé.”
Kylian Mbappe: “The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: “My deepest condolences to all of Brazil and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere ‘Adeus’ from the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that is currently gripping the entire football world. An inspiration for so many Millions, a reference from yesterday, today, forever.The affection he always showed me was mutual in every moment we shared, even remotely.He will never be forgotten and his memory will live in each of us Live on football lovers forever. Rest in peace King Pele.”
Erling Haaland: “Everything you see a player do, Pelé did first. Rest in peace.”
Mesut Ozil: “I’m sure that ‘Heaven FC’ with Maradona and Pelé will be forever invincible.”