He is considered one of the, if not the best football player in the world. He is also instrumental in helping increase the popularity of the sport in the United States because of his stint playing in New York.
Since his death, a number of players have shared their woe at his loss and have given their tributes to the football legend.
One of the first ones to share his admiration for Pele was Neymar. In an Instagram post, he shared photos of himself and the legend.
Cristiano Ronaldo also used Instagram to share his tribute.
French player and recent World Cup runner-up Kylian Mbappe took to Twitter to share his feelings saying, “The King of Football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— Kylian Mbapp (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
Mbappe’s tweet is more poignant given that one of Pele’s final tweets was congratulating the French player for breaking one of his records.
Olympic Gold Medalist Carli Lloyd also shared her tribute, calling him: Icon. Legend. Goat. RIP Pel.
Icon. Legend. Goat. RIP Pel. https://t.co/leRUlWDhji
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) December 29, 2022
Athletes from other sports also shared their tributes. Jaylen Brown tweeted: Rest In Peace to a legend today we celebrate his legacy! Pels spirit will live forever.
Rest In Peace to a legend today we celebrate his legacy ! Pels spirit will live forever pic.twitter.com/MoZ7G1y0Td
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) December 29, 2022
Carl Lewis also tweeted, saying: A tough day for all of us. Rest in peace, my friend.
A tough day for all of us. Rest in peace my friendhttps://t.co/I623VsLkVk
— Carl Lewis (@Carl_Lewis) December 29, 2022
Soccer Clubs and the Premier League also tweeted in honor of Pele.
The Premier League tweeted, We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2022
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Peles family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ocr5KF239t
AC Milan also made their grief known saying: We are deeply saddened to hear that football legend Pel has passed away. May we pass on our sincerest condolences to his friends and family..
Rest in peace, O Rei.
We are deeply saddened to hear that football legend Pel has passed away. May we pass on our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace, O Rei. pic.twitter.com/KtnZMGuz7d
Pele will be laid to rest on Tuesday after a public wake on Monday.
