TRIBUTES from around the world have flooded after news of Pele’s sad passing.
It has been confirmed that arguably the greatest footballer of all time died aged 82 in his homeland.
Tributes have flooded after news of Pele’s death broke around the worldGetty Images – Getty
The Brazil great had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.
Football legends took to social media to pay their respects to the Santos icon and reached out to his family.
Brazil star Neymar stated: “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.
“But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.
“He gave voice to the poor, to the black community and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.
“Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”
Gary Lineker tweeted: “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. 3 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.”
Manchester United great Cristiano Ronaldo posted: “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
“A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.
“An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance.
“He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele.”
The official England Twitter account posted a picture of Pele exchanging shirts with Bobby Moore after their meeting at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
“One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game,” read the tweet. “Farewell, Pele. You will never be forgotten.”
United great Rio Ferdinand said: “The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!
“I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon.”
Liverpool icon Ian Rush wrote: “A very sad day for football.
“An icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever.
“Rest in peace, Pele. My thoughts are with his family.”
Cafu posted: “He will never be forgotten.”
Fans from around the world also took to social media to express their condolences.
This supporter tweeted: “One of the GOATs just died. RIP Pele.”
Another fan posted: “The football world has lost a legend. Rest in peace Pele.”
A third commented: “The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions.”