World mourns Pele, football's brightest star
They referred to him as ‘The King,’ and one of the most recognisable faces in all of football is him. Pele, who was previously recognised by FIFA as the greatest player of the 20th century, is the man in question. On December 29, 2022, the legendary Brazilian was gone. When Pele and Brazil won their first FIFA World Cup on June 29, 1958, in Sweden, his star was already rising. He was just 17 years old at the time. He continues to hold the record for becoming the youngest world champion ever.
The striker played for the South American team in 1962 as they successfully defended their championship, but he was injured for the majority of the competition. Pele became the only player to ever win three World Cups in 1970 after leading his team to their next victory and once again showcasing his prodigious talent.
Read Also: Woman coach accuses Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh of sexual harassment
The football world is currently in mourning at Pele’s passing at the age of 82.
The Brazilian legend, who was among the best players to have ever lived, passed away on Thursday, December 29, following a 15-month battle with colon cancer. He has received tributes from all throughout the world. He leaves behind a legacy as a global hero that went beyond sports.
Here are the reactions to his death from around the world:
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote that Pele’s legacy was impossible to summarise in words. Infantino also extended his condolences to Pele’s family, friends, to Brazil and to all football fans who loved him so much. He also said that even though the world mourns the loss of physical presence of football legend, but Pele achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore Pele will be with us for eternity.
US President Joe Biden also took to his twitter to express his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Pele. He wrote in a tweet that for a sport that brought the world together like no other, Pele’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend was a story of what was possible. He added that today Jill (first lady) and his thoughts were with Pele’s family and with all those who loved him.
Former US President Barack Obama tweeted, Pele was one of the greatest ever to play football. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Pele understood the power of sports to bring people together.
Brazil football star, Neymar Jr, too wrote an emotional post on his Instagram.
He’s gone but his magic remains.
Pelé is FOREVER!!
