Dec 30 (Reuters) – Brazilian soccer legend Pele died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. Here are reactions to his death from around the world:
FIFA President GIANNI INFANTINO
His legacy is impossible to sum up in words.
To his family and friends, to the CBF (Brazilian football federation), Brazil and all those who love him so much, I express my happiness.
Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality long ago, so he will be with us forever.
US President JOE BIDEN
For a game that unites the world like no other, Pele’s rise from humble beginnings to football is a story of the possible. Today, (first lady) Jill and I’s thoughts are with her family and all who loved her.
Former US President BARACK OBAMA
Pele is one of the most beautiful sportsmen. And as one of the world’s most famous athletes, he understands the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.
UEFA President ALEKSANDER CEFERIN
“He was the first international player of the game, because of his achievements on and off the field, he played a pioneering role in the rise of football to become the most popular sport in the world. – and look forward to it very much.”
ACTOR SYLVESTER STALLONE, PELE’S CO-STATAR IN “RUNNING TO VICTORY”
Praise the Great One! Rest in peace! This is a good person.
NEW YORK SOCCER CAVE
Obrigado, Pele. No one did anything else for this game here, and everywhere. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Argentine President LIONEL MESSI
Rest in peace, Pele.
Argentine President ALBERTO FERNANDEZ
One of the best football players in history has left us. We will always remember those years when Pele dazzled the world with his talent. Big hugs to his family and the Brazilians who will carry him in their hearts.
GERMANY’S NATIONAL CUP WINNER FRANZ BEKENBAUER
The ball lost the most in its history today – I have a special friend. The ball will be yours forever. Rest in peace Pele.
GARY LINEKER, 1986 World Cup TOP Scorer
Pele is dead. The greatest god of football players and the joy of men. He played only a select few games that came close. Three times he lifted the most coveted golden cup from that beautiful yellow shirt. He may leave us but he will have football immortality. RIP Pele
President of Bolivia LUIS ARCE
Today, the world lost a great football legend, Pele, an example of perseverance and love for the game that transcends generations.
Thank you for using your talent to lighten the field. We send our condolences to his family and the entire country of Brazil.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE THOMAS BACH
With the passing of Pele, the world has lost a great sporting icon. As far as I can see myself, he is a believer in the Olympic values and a proud bearer of the Olympic torch. It is an honor to be awarded the Olympic Order.
French President EMMANUEL MACRON
The game. King. Eternal.
PORTUGAL STRIKER CRISTIANO RONALDO, ON INSTAGRAM
I am very happy for all Brazilians, especially the family of Mr. Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “life” to the eternal King Pele will not be enough to express the pain that is embracing the entire world of football at this time. An inspiration for millions, a reference yesterday, today, and forever.
FRANCE STRIKER KYLIAN MBAPPE, ON TWITTER
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP THE KING…
GEOFF HURST was originally from ENGLAND
I have many memories of Pele, without a doubt the best footballer I played against (along with Bobby Moore who was the best footballer I played alongside). For me Pele is still the greatest of all time, I am proud to be in the game with him. RIP Pele thank you.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Rest in peace, Pele. Thank you for the joy you bring to soccer players around the world.
LIVERPOOL
[1/3] The famous Olympic star after receiving the Olympic medal from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach at the Pele Museum in Santos, Brazil June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker
A legend, a symbol and true greatness of the game that will be remembered forever. Rest in peace, Pele.
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid CF, its President and its leaders 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 share with his family, his loved ones, his club, the Brazilian team and all football fans in Brazil and around the world.
BARCELONA
Barça deeply regrets the death of “Rei” (King) Pele, one of the greatest players of all time. With him, football became great. May he rest in peace.
WALES FOOTBALL TEAM
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again. A good sports story. Our thoughts are with the Brazilian people and the world football family.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION GABRIELE GRAVINA
“Millions of people recognize themselves in him and his beautiful story of redemption and passion. His class will enlighten our eyes forever.”
UNESCO
We are deeply saddened by Pele’s death. Our condolences to the Brazilians and the football family. Pele has been a @UNESCO champion for sport since 1994 and has worked tirelessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
OSVALDO ARDILES WON THE ARGENTINA CUP
The king of kings is dead. A special player. Unique. Three times World Cup winner, more than 1,000 goals. My childhood idol. He made football a beautiful and truly international game. The time I played with him on the run to victory was a dream come true. RIP Pele.
FRANCE COACH DIDIER DESCHAMPS
With the passing of Pele, football has lost one of the most beautiful legends, if not the best. Like all legends, the King seems immortal. It made people dream and continues to do generation after generation of fans of our sport.
WHO KILLED ARGENTINA STRIKER GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Thank you for everything you have given to the world of football. RIP as a legend.
URUGUAY STRIKER LUIS SUAREZ
His legacy will last forever. rest easy, king.
MEXICAN NATIONAL SPORTS TEAM ON INSTAGRAM
Today the football world mourns the death of O Rei. We say that legends will live forever. Rest in peace, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele. One of the best players ever did it.
MEXICAN PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR
May Pele rest in peace, a great football player and a humble teacher who influenced players like Ronaldinho by his example, who said in February 2021: “My father told me that it is better to learn to handle the ball ‘Bare feet to make sense. I promised him with my feet that I would handle the ball, but what really happened was that he didn’t have the money to give me shoes.”
ARGENTINA INTERNATIONAL CLAUDIO CANIGGIA
One of my biggest inspirations for football. Since I was a child, I liked it, as everyone understands and loves this game. After 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 did not see him play, I was not lucky, but I was always taught and told that he is the King of football.
MULTIPLE OLYMPIC SPRINT CHAMPION USAIN BOLT
An old story. Rest in peace King Pele.
Secretary of State Antony BLINKEN
Pele is a good story; there is no one like him. But he transcended the game and inspired generations on and off the field.
THE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA GUSTAVO PETRO
When I was a kid, I used to watch Pele in the World Cup on a black and white screen. My dad told me he was the best soccer player in the world. Today I think my father was right.
MANY FORMULA ONE CHAMPION LEWIS HAMILTON
Today’s legend. Thank you for sharing your talent, intelligence and love with us. @Pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always.
STEFANO DOMENICALI, CEO OF FORMULA 1
It is a shining light for Brazil and millions of people around the world. Her art, her smile and her brilliance will live on forever.
BILLIE JEAN KING’S WORLD TENNIS MAN
“Most games are entertainment for fans & Pele’s games and skills make him known worldwide. I had the honor of spending time with him. He was joyful & special.”
Janina Nuno Rios collected in Mexico City, Tommy Lund in Gdansk and Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris/Peter Rutherford
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