RIO DE JANEIRO: Following Pele’s passing on Thursday at the age of 82, who is saying what:
“10 was just a number before Pele. Football was merely a sport before Pele, in my opinion. He elevated football to the level of both entertainment and art.
– Neymar, a native of Brazil and a current celebrity.
“My friend of many triumphs, titles, and stories exchanged. He leaves behind an enduring, irreplaceable legacy. the one who repeatedly stopped the world.
– Mario Zagallo, 91, a teammate of Brazil’s who won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962.
“The football king is no more, but his legacy will live on forever.”
– Kylian Mbappe, a forward for France.
“He will never be forgotten, and each of us football fans will always carry his memory with us. King Pele, please rest in peace.
Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele passed away; family
– The star of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo
Pele, please go in peace.
— Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the World Cup champion.
Few Brazilians have carried the name of their nation as far as he did. He did more than play. He put on quite the performance. I’m grateful, Pele.
President-elect of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“The death of the King of Kings. exceptional player Unique. Three times World Cup champion, over a thousand goals. my childhood hero Football became a really global sport thanks to him. It was a dream come true to play with him in Escape to Victory. RIP Pele.”
– Osvaldo Ardiles, a former international for Argentina.
“Football has lost one of its most beautiful legends, if not the most beautiful, with the passing of Pele. As with all stories, the King appeared unstoppable. — Didier Deschamps, head coach of France’s national team.
“Pele was among the best players to ever play the game. He also recognised the ability of sports to unite people as one of the most well-known athletes in the world. Our prayers are with his loved ones and all those who appreciated and cherished him.
Barack Obama, a former president of the US.
“The greatest player in football history has died. Pele addressed me as his sibling. For me, that was the greatest honour possible. You will always own the ball!
– Franz Beckenbauer, a former German international star who joined Pele at the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
“The world has lost a magnificent sporting icon with Pele’s departure.”
— Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee.
“Pele’s name will always be associated with sporting brilliance and artistry. His influence on soccer has endured for a very long time. O Rei, have peace.
– Pele once played for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
“A Legend in Sports. Let King Pele rest in peace.
— Usain Bolt, a legendary athlete.
“Pele is without a doubt the best footballer I have ever played against, and I have so many memories of him (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside). I was honoured to share the field alongside Pele, who I still consider to be the best player to ever live. Godspeed, Pele, and thanks.
– Geoff Hurst, who won the 1966 World Cup for England
“The world mourns the passing of the greatest footballer in history and a terrific man. He revelled in the victory like nobody other. I really mourn for you and your life’s work, Pele, and I honour you.
Your family and friends have my deepest sympathies.
– Sepp Blatter, former head of FIFA
When you were with Pele, the rest of the world stopped. He had a magnetic presence.
– Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA president
“Pele invented everything you see any player doing now. RIP.”
Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City.
