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
The man currently sharing his all-time Brazil goal record, Neymar, has delivered a touching tribute to Pele. pic.twitter.com/lRmYK7pak6
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
A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
A post shared by Ronaldo (@ronaldo)
Rest in peace Legend. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/CvqQI1bvd2
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
A post shared by Jose Mourinho (@josemourinho)
A post shared by Casemiro (@casemiro)
Pelé also received tributes from some major organizations within the sport.
Concacaf statement on the passing of Pelé. pic.twitter.com/oB2pA05TwP
“Thank you for everything, King Pelé. Rest in peace 🙏🏾👑🇧🇷” – Marcelo pic.twitter.com/IX6BlfuId6
Our sport has lost a legend.
Rest easy, Pelé. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mQQ4DvyCGT
One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game.
Farewell, Pelé. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bMUEat5MP2
The love for Pele spanned across sports, as well. Other sports stars expressed their admiration.
DEP, Pelé 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DaQDOaZAfL
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
A Sporting Legend.
Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AmehPBOR30
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
DEP, Pelé 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DaQDOaZAfL
Rest in Peace Pelé 🙏🏽🤴🏿💫
#RIP Rei @Pele#eterno pic.twitter.com/b6SVsTeGyM
Rest In Peace to a legend 🕊today we celebrate his legacy ! Pelé’s spirit will live forever pic.twitter.com/MoZ7G1y0Td
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.
