Brazilian soccer legend Pele, one of the eminent faces of the biggest game in the world, is the reason soccer is known as “The Beautiful Game.” He lived that out on the pitch, as a player who always demonstrated good sportsmanship and leadership.
That reputation has not been lost on sports stars around the globe. While Pele will always have special place in the Brazilian pantheon of athletes, his influence reached far beyond Brazil or even South America, evidenced by an outpouring of emotional Pele tributes follow his death Thursday at 82, led Brazil’s current biggest star, Neymar.
The man currently sharing his all-time Brazil goal record, Neymar, has delivered a touching tribute to Pele. pic.twitter.com/lRmYK7pak6
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) December 29, 2022
The man currently sharing his all-time Brazil goal record, Neymar, has delivered a touching tribute to Pele. pic.twitter.com/lRmYK7pak6
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) December 29, 2022
Beyond Brazil, some of the other biggest stars in the modern game had kind words for the legendary attacker.
MORE: Pele’s singular stardom dwarfed soccer in the US, but his appeal ignited its rise
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace Legend. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/CvqQI1bvd2
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) December 29, 2022
Forever the King of football, the Legend! 👑 Rest in peace, Pelé. 🙏
You have changed the History of football. Your legacy will always be in our hearts.
Thanks for everything!#ThiagoSilva #TS6 #OhhhThiagoSilva #Pelé #ReiPelé #PeléEterno pic.twitter.com/lobQlPreQg— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) December 29, 2022
Pelé also received tributes from some major organizations within the sport.
Concacaf statement on the passing of Pelé. pic.twitter.com/oB2pA05TwP
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) December 29, 2022
“Thank you for everything, King Pelé. Rest in peace 🙏🏾👑🇧🇷” – Marcelo pic.twitter.com/IX6BlfuId6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 29, 2022
Our sport has lost a legend.
Rest easy, Pelé. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mQQ4DvyCGT
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) December 29, 2022
One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game.
Farewell, Pelé. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bMUEat5MP2
— England (@England) December 29, 2022
The love for Pele spanned across sports, as well. Other sports stars expressed their admiration.
DEP, Pelé 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DaQDOaZAfL
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 29, 2022
There are STARS, SUPERSTARS and then there are LEGENDS!
One of the GREATEST LEGENDS of ALL SPORTS has passed away!💔PELÉ…
Rest in Eternal Peace with LOVE & RESPECT🕊 pic.twitter.com/1ZHeGLW0Tb
— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) December 29, 2022
A Sporting Legend.
Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) December 29, 2022
Hoy se vuelve a ir un grande del deporte mundial. Un día triste para el mundo del fútbol, para el mundo del deporte. Su legado siempre quedará.
No le vi jugar, no tuve esa suerte, pero siempre me enseñaron y me dijeron que fue el Rey del fútbol.
DEP #ORei #Pele 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/E4mKdu8gBt
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 29, 2022
DEP, Pelé 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DaQDOaZAfL
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 29, 2022
Rest in Peace Pelé 🙏🏽🤴🏿💫
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) December 29, 2022
#RIP Rei @Pele#eterno pic.twitter.com/b6SVsTeGyM
— Anderson Varejão (@VAREJAOANDERSON) December 29, 2022
Rest In Peace to a legend 🕊today we celebrate his legacy ! Pelé’s spirit will live forever pic.twitter.com/MoZ7G1y0Td
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) December 29, 2022
The imprint Pele leaves on the sporting world is evident, given the myriad of sources mourning him. No matter what sport they play or what country they’re from, even with Pele’s passing, he’ll continue to be a beacon of skill and sportsmanship coaches point to when they tell young athletes how to handle both winning and losing.
