Brazil football great Pele died on Thursday aged 82 after a long battle with cancer. Following are reactions to his death from around the world:
FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO
His legacy is impossible to summarize in words.
To his family and friends, to CBF (Brazilian football federation), to Brazil and to all football fans who loved him so much, I express my sincere condolences.
Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.
U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pele’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible. Today, (first lady) Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.
“He was the first global superstar of the game and, thanks to achievements on and off the field, he played a pioneering role in football’s rise to become the world’s most popular sport. He will be greatly missed.”
ACTOR SYLVESTER STALLONE, PELE’S CO-STAR IN “ESCAPE TO VICTORY”
Pele The Great! Rest in peace! This was a good man.
NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
Obrigado, Pele. No one did more for this sport here, and everywhere. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Also read: An ode to Lionel Messi who completes football
ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI
Rest in peace, Pele.
ARGENTINA PRESIDENT ALBERTO FERNANDEZ
One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. We will always remember those years when Pele dazzled the world with his skills. A big hug to his family and to the people of Brazil who will carry him in their hearts.
GERMANY WORLD CUP WINNER FRANZ BECKENBAUER
Football lost the greatest in its history today – and I lost a unique friend. Football will be yours forever. Rest in peace Pele.
GARY LINEKER, 1986 WORLD CUP TOP SCORER
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. Three 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
BOLIVIA PRESIDENT LUIS ARCE
Today the world lost a great soccer legend, Pele, whose example of perseverance and love for the sport transcends generations.
Thank you for lighting up the field with your talent. We send our condolences to his family and to the entire country of Brazil.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH
With Pele’s passing, the world has lost a great sporting icon. As I could experience myself, he was a true believer in the Olympic values and a proud carrier of the Olympic flame. It was a privilege to present the Olympic Order to him.
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
The game. The king. Eternity.
PORTUGAL STRIKER CRISTIANO RONALDO, ON INSTAGRAM
My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that embraces the whole world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, of today, of always.
FRANCE STRIKER KYLIAN MBAPPE, ON TWITTER
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING …
FORMER ENGLAND PLAYER GEOFF HURST
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 pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rest in peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world.
LIVERPOOL
A legend, icon and true great of the game who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Pele.
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid C.F., its President and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of world football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, one of the greatest players of all time.
Real Madrid would like to express its condolences to his family, his loved ones, his clubs, the Brazilian Confederation and all football fans in Brazil and around the world.
BARCELONA
Barca deeply regrets the death of “Rei” (King) Pele, one of the greatest players of all time. With him, football became greater. May he rest in peace.
WALES FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again. A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family.
ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT GABRIELE GRAVINA
“Millions of people recognized themselves in him in a beautiful story of redemption and great passion. The class of him will forever light up our eyes.”
UNESCO
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pele. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family. Pele was @UNESCO Champion for Sport since 1994 and worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
ARGENTINA WORLD CUP WINNER OSVALDO ARDILES
The King of Kings has died. Extraordinary player. Unique. Three times World Cup winner, more than 1,000 goals. My idol when young. He made football the beautiful game and truly international. My time playing alongside him in Escape to Victory was a dream come true. RIP Pele.
FRANCE COACH DIDIER DESCHAMPS
With the passing of Pele, football has lost one of its most beautiful legends, if not the most beautiful. Like all legends, the King seemed immortal. It made people dream and continued to make generations and generations of fans of our sport.
FORMER ARGENTINA STRIKER GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Thank you for everything you gave to the world of football. RIP to a legend.
URUGUAY STRIKER LUIS SUAREZ
His legacy will be eternal. Rest in peace, king.
MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM ON INSTAGRAM
Today the world of football cries for the loss of O Rei. We say goodbye to a legend who will live eternally. Rest in peace, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele. One of the greatest players to ever do it.
MEXICAN PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR
May Pele rest in peace, the great footballer and humble teacher who surely influenced players like Ronaldinho with his example, who stated in February 2021: “My father told me that it was better to learn to control the ball barefoot in order to have sensitivity in my feet and I promised him that I would control that ball like no other, but what really happened was that he didn’t have the money to give me a pair of shoes.”
FORMER ARGENTINA INTERNATIONAL CLAUDIO CANIGGIA
One of my biggest inspirations for playing football. Since I was a kid I admired him, like everyone who understands and loves this sport. Forever Pele.
MULTIPLE GRAND SLAM WINNER RAFA NADAL
A sad day for the world of football, for the world of sport. His legacy will always be with us. I didn’t see him play, I wasn’t that lucky, but I was always taught and told that he was the King of football.
MULTIPLE OLYMPIC SPRINT CHAMPION USAIN BOLT
A Sporting Legend. Rest in Peace King Pele.
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN
Pele was a true legend; there was no one quite like him. But he also transcended the game and inspired generations on and off the field.
COLOMBIA PRESIDENT GUSTAVO PETRO
As a child I watched Pele at the World Cup on a black and white screen. My dad told me that he was the best soccer player in the world. Today I think my father was right.
MULTIPLE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPION LEWIS HAMILTON
Lost a legend today. Thank you for sharing your talent, genius and love with us. @Pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always.
STEFANO DOMENICALI, CEO OF FORMULA 1
He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever.
FORMER TENNIS WORLD NUMBER ONE BILLIE JEAN KING
“Much of sports is entertainment for fans & Pele’s athleticism & skill made him globally known. I had the honor of spending time w/him. He was joyful & had that something special.”
