Politicians, retired stars, footballers pay tribute to ‘The Greatest’ Pele

Social media is awash with tributes following the death of Brazil and sports great Pele on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

The 82-year-old had been moved to palliative care early in December after his body stopped responding to cancer treatment, with his daughter Kely dropping updates on Pele’s health.

Unfortunately on Thursday, she announced the passing of Pele born Edson Arantes do Nascimento who remains the only male footballer to win three FIFA World Cups.

Pele’s involvement in sports continued after he hung his boots as he was appointed Brazil’s Minister of Sports from January 1995-April 1998.

Following the announcement of his death, politicians, sports stars, and ex-footballers all paid tribute to the man labeled “The Greatest” by FIFA.

Here are some tributes below

President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

@Lulaoficial I had the privilege that younger Brazilians didn’t have: I saw Pelé play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi. Play, no. I saw Pelé give a show. Because when he got the ball he always did something special, which often ended up in a goal.

I confess that I was angry with Pelé, because he always massacred my Corinthians. But, first of all, I admired him. And the anger soon gave way to the passion of seeing him play with the number 10 shirt of the Brazilian national team.

Few Brazilians took the name of our country as far as he did. As different from Portuguese as the language was, foreigners from the four corners of the planet soon found a way to pronounce the magic word: “Pelé”.

Pele left us today. He went to make a table in heaven with Coutinho, his great partner at Santos. He now has the company of so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Sócrates, Maradona… He left a certainty: there had never been a number 10 like him. Thank you, Pele.

ALSO READ: Brazil and football great Pele dies aged 82

Former US President Barack Obama

@BarackObama Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

@SecBlinken Pelé was a true legend; there was no one quite like him. But he also transcended the game and inspired generations on and off the field. My condolences to his family, friends, and fellow Brazilians — as well as to soccer fans around the world. #Reidofutebol

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi

@PeterObi The legend of Pele endures. He lived his best life; lived out his destiny and impacted the football game, immeasurably. Generations of football stars take after him. He was a fulfilled man, and above all, a legend. Rest on Pele! -PO

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar 

@Atiku Pelè is a legend not only to the lovers of the beautiful game but to all of humanity. He lived a life of impact both on and off the field. He was humble and very generous. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace. -AA

Delta State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ifeanyi Okowa

@IAOkowa As the world comes together to mourn the passing of one of its legends, tonight, I remember his brilliance on the football field and how he helped to further inspire my love for the beautiful game. Rest In Peace, Pelé.

Manchester City and Norway striker

@ErlingHaaland Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first. RIP

Former Brazil defender

@OfficialCafu Pelé will never die… Pelé is eternal, Pelé is the king, Pelé is unique… he will be immortalised in every magnificent goal, in every moment of genius, but mainly in each one of us who were inspired by him and his generation. Rest in peace my brother

Former Cameroon striker 

@SamuelEtoo Today, we say goodbye to the best ever. Rest in eternal peace, Pele, you’ll be missed my millions and millions. Legend

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria coach 

@coacheguavoen Not many Athletes have transcended the borders of Sport and Humanity. Pélé is on that exclusive list. Football mourns today. Descanso no Poder, Rei.