Pelé passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.
Discover the first reactions of the most influential personalities in football.
Cristiano Ronaldo
: “
A simple goodbye to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the whole footballing world is currently feeling.
An inspiration for so many, a reference yesterday, today and forever.
The affection he has always shown towards me has been reciprocal at all times, even from a distance
”.
Kylian Mbappé
: "
The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten, rest in peace, King
".
Lionel Messi
: "
Rest in peace, Pelé
", with three photos, two together and another of Pelé simply as a player.
Neymar
: “
Before Pelé, football was just a sport.
Pelé changed everything, he made football an art (...), he gave a voice to the poor, to blacks, and above all: he gave visibility to Brazil (...) He is no longer there, but its magic will endure
”.
Read alsoPelé “made football an art” for Neymar
Geoff Hurst
, former England international: "
I have so many memories of Pelé, without a doubt the best player in football I've played against (Bobby Moore being the best player I've played alongside).
For me, Pelé remains the greatest of all time, I am proud to have played on the same ground as him
”.
New York Cosmos
, Pelé's club, USA: “
In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos and helped popularize football across the United States.
“O Rei” gave fans many legendary moments on the pitch, including scoring a hat-trick to win the 1977 NASL Soccer Bowl.
”
Read alsoFootball: the New York Cosmos, Pelé's other club, "mourns the loss of the icon"
Sepp Blatter,
former FIFA President: “
It's very sad news, Pelé has left us.
The world is mourning the greatest footballer in history and a wonderful person.
He celebrated football like no other player
”.
Ednaldo Rodrigues
, President of the Brazilian Federation: “
I am deeply moved by the departure of Pelé.
The CBF will pay every possible tribute to the greatest athlete of all time.
Pelé is forever and we will always work to preserve his story and carry on his legacy.
"
Read alsoThe president of the Brazilian Federation “deeply moved by the death of Pelé”
Michel Platini
to L'Equipe: “He was Monsieur Football, the history of football, the discovery of football, all of football.
In 1970, I am 15 years old, and I had grown up with his figure in my imagination.
FIFA
: “
We call him the King and his face is without doubt one of the most famous in the world of football.
Named the greatest player of the 20th century by FIFA in his time, Pelé has earned a place commensurate with his immense talent in the legend of world football.
The one who, for many, embodied the essence of Brazilian football died on December 29, 2022
.