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 heartbroken Lionel Messi has come up with a short tribute, “Rest in peace, @pele,” Argentina great Messi wrote on Instagram.
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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.
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
Here’s how fans reacted to the legend’s death:
RIP
— Edward Paul Bangura 🍊🍊 (@edpaulbangura) December 29, 2022
King 👑 Pele #RIPPele pic.twitter.com/QUQUEeU7k4
RIP king Pele. Once a legend, always a legend. Farewell Champ pic.twitter.com/4I13YXdvYc
— #GlazersOut (@YoungArab61) December 29, 2022
An icon,
— Dr Kasenene (@drkasenene) December 29, 2022
A legend
A beautiful personality.
RIP King Pele….. pic.twitter.com/mIYp3rLMa8
You know when there is a passing in the football world it usually doesn’t bother me but reading the news of Pelé this morning has got me right in the feels.
— Ⓜ️arc (@Marc_Crofton) December 30, 2022
RIP King 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ZNayDXPzWv
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— दिपेश कटुवाल (@KatuwalDeepesh) December 30, 2022
RIP KING 🥺💔👑 pic.twitter.com/9VdJ0siDLM
Pele was the first to do everything your favourite player has done.
— Pritam Chatterjee (@ReaLityoFfreeL) December 30, 2022
RIP KING 👑👑 #Pele #RIPPele
A hero you will always be, your legacy will forever remains…
— Mafia Kid (@MafiaKid_SSD) December 30, 2022
RIP KING PELE
Rest In Power
— Dinesh (@DineshDeora_) December 30, 2022
RIP King 🙏🏻#Pele #RipLegend pic.twitter.com/ekudLntnw2
