'Once a legend, always a legend'- Fans mourn as one of the greatest footballer of all time Pele passes away

The King of football Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, breathed his last on Friday following a prolonged battle with cancer.

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Rohit Kumar
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Pele (Source - Twitter)

Pele (Source - Twitter)

The King of football, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, breathed his last on Friday following a prolonged battle with cancer. Footballers, clubs, and national federations are still trying to grasp the fact that the Brazilian legend is no more. Pele’s death comes a year after Prince of Football Maradona lost his battle with health. Brazil has declared a 3-day mourning & illuminated ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in green. 

Pele had been battling cancer for a while and recently, his health condition worsened during the hospital stay to regulate his cancer medication, doctors had announced earlier this week. Pele carried Brazil to soccer’s heights and became a global ambassador for his sport in a journey that began on the streets of Sao Paulo state, where he would kick a sock stuffed with newspapers or rags.

Pele lost the battle against cancer

As his health deteriorated, his travels and appearances became less frequent. He was often seen in a wheelchair during his final years and did not attend a ceremony to unveil a statue of him representing Brazil’s 1970 World Cup team. Pelé spent his 80th birthday isolated with a few family members at a beach home.

Cristiano Ronaldo paid a heart-touching tribute to Pele following his demise.

“My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. 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 distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace,” Ronaldo said in an Instagram post.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

A heartbroken Lionel Messi has come up with a short tribute, "Rest in peace, @pele," Argentina great Messi wrote on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

France star footballer also shared an emotional post on the death of the Legendary Footballer, he said, "The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING," wrote France star Kylian Mbappe.

Here’s how fans reacted to the legend’s death:

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