Pele, the legendary Brazilian football player who emerged from squalor to become one of the greatest and most recognizable athletes in contemporary history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo. The burial and the funeral of the latter will reportedly take place at his hometown Santos.
After a tumor was discovered on his colon, the latter spent the previous few months being in and out of the hospital.
Pele is the only player to ever win the World Cup three times and set a record for the most goals scored (1,281) throughout his career.
Born on October 23, 1940, in the small Minas Gerais town of Tres Corações, he learned the game from his father, a semi-professional player whose promising career was derailed by a knee injury.
In the small Minas Gerais village of Tres Coraçes, where he was born on October 23, 1940, he picked up the sport from his semi-pro player father, whose football career was cut short by a knee injury.
The news of Pele's death, the Brazilian king of football and one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has shaken the world.
The world is in shock to learn of the football monarch's passing. As tributes to Pele flooded in from all across the world, football fans and personalities came together on social media.
Pele's family and all of Brazil received condolences from Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who also said that he was an inspiration to millions of people.
The Football Association of Wales said Pele broke their hearts when he brought down the team's hopes of a World Cup victory in 1958, and "today our hearts are broken again". While France striker Kylian Mpabbe said Pele's legacy will never be forgotten
According to the Football Association of Wales, Pele's derailment prospects for World Cup victory in 1958, broke their hearts, and 'now their hearts are crushed again'. While France's Striker Kylian Mpabbe said that Pele's legacy will never be forgotten.
Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan, an avid sports enthusiast, too shared a beautiful post honoring the renowned football player. He shared a few images of Pele and included a touching message with them.
"As a child, my father introduced me to Pele and his magic. And thus began a lifelong love for football. We had shelves filled with VHS tapes of his and the Brazilian team's matches. I would religiously watch them with my father. A magician we've all been blessed to witness. A few years ago, whilst visiting India I somehow managed to get an autographed jersey of his. It has pride of placement in my office.”
“Thank you, sir, for teaching us about joga bonito and being such a hero and idol to billions. Rest in Peace to the greatest!", he wrote in an Instagram post.
