Death of Pelé: "His rise is the story of what is possible", salutes Joe Biden

As is customary when a king dies, heads of state around the world rush to pay their last respects.

Among many others, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President-elect Lula and United States President Joe Biden bowed to the rule to greet Pelé, who died on Thursday at the age of 82.

In a message posted on his social networks, the American president paid tribute to Pelé, and to the beautiful story of his life.

"In a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé's rise from humble beginnings to footballing legend is the story of what is possible," he wrote.

Today, Jill and I's thoughts are with his family and all who loved him.

In the evening, Emmanuel Macron had soberly posted a photo of Pelé during the 1970 World Cup, an iconic image of the final, with the following words: “The Game. The King.

Eternity.

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For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé's rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible.

Today, Jill and I's thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.

pic.twitter.com/EkDDkqQgLo

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2022

Joe Biden's tribute joins millions of others, who have been popping up all evening on social media to pay tribute to what many consider to be the greatest footballer of all time.

Politicians, athletes, institutions, the whole world cries, this Thursday evening, King Pelé.