Football greats lead flood of tributes to G.O.A.T. Pelé

Football greats led the flood of tributes to Pelé after the man widely regarded as the greatest of all time died at age 82 following a colon cancer battle.

Geoff Hurst, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Gary Lineker were among those who hailed the three-time World Cup winning record breaker—nicknamed ‘The King”—in the minutes after his daughter announced he had passed away on Thursday.

Hurst, 81, who became the first man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final in England’s 4–2 victory over West Germany at Wembley Stadium in 1966, said: “I have so many memories of Pelé, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside.) For me, Pelé remains the greatest of all time, and I was proud to be on the pitch with him. RIP Pelé, and thank you.”

PSG and Brazil star Neymar, 31, who wears the No. 10 for Brazil and equalled Pelé’s scoring record for Brazil at the World Cup, said on Instagram: “Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.

“Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: Gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone, but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!”

Ronaldo, 37, said on Instagram: “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pelé 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 a 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 Pelé.”