HERE ARE 40 TRIBUTES FROM WORLD LEADERS, FOOTBALL STARS, OTHERS IN HONOUR OF WORLD LEGENDARY FOOTBALLER, PELÉ 

Did you know that Pelé was the first black Brazilian to be recognised in his own country and around the world at a time of colonialism?

Brazilian and world football icon, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, passed away Thursday, 29 December 2022 at the age of 82. He became a global star when, aged 17, he helped Brazil win the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, forcing his way into the starting line-up by the knockout stages. He went on to win the World Cup a record two times more - in 1962 and 1970.

Pelé who had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years, was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022. His daughter Kely Nascimento kept fans updated on her father's condition with regular social media updates from hospital. On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele's family's hands on his body in hospital and wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

The first black Brazilian to be recognised in his own country and around the world at a time of colonialism, Pelé, was a hero to Africans and black people according to journalist and football commentator, Usher Komugisha.

At his passing on Thursday, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil declared three days of national mourning for the Brazilian football icon. Tributes have continued to pour in from some notable personalities across the world in honour of the late football legend.

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"For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible. Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him." - JOE BIDEN, U.S President.

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“Thanks to his talent, his unique skills, his fascinating beautiful game, football has become the favorite game of millions of people all over the world, including in Russia. I had the pleasure of communicating in person with this remarkable man and will always have the fondest memories of him." – VLADIMIR PUTIN, President of Russia

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"Pelé was not only a football legend but also a humanitarian and global icon. He used his platform to empower disenfranchised children and inspire generations around the world. We give thanks for his life and legacy." — BILL CLINTON, former U.S. President

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"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." — BARRACK OBAMA, former U.S. President

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"May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general. He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman. He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP." — MUHAMMADU BUHARI, President of Nigeria.

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"President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of global football icon and social activist, Pelé." — CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, President of South Africa.

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"Pelé made millions of young boys in the Global South to dream. His profile as a Global icon of sporting excellence and high athletic achievement was an inspirational model which encouraged young men to transcend their limitations and defy all economic, social, cultural and political barriers. His legacy extends beyond the soccer pitch, the goals he scored and all his other exploits beyond soccer itself where his charisma and talent made wonderful things possible to authentic global leadership of a unique, talismanic kind. May his soul rest in peace." — WILLIAM RUTO, President of Kenya.

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"I pay my respect and tribute to Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé." — PAUL BIYA, President of Cameroon.

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"We are saddened to learn that the Brazilian football #legend, Pelé has passed away. We fondly remember the three-time World Cup winner's flair and how he dazzled opponents. MHSRIP." — HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, President of Zambia.

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“Thanks for his flair and his class. He left a mark even on the generations who weren’t lucky enough to see him play. Today the whole world mourns a legend named Pele.” — GIORGIA MELONI, Italian Prime Minister.

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“I had the privilege that younger Brazilians didn’t have: I saw Pelé play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi (stadiums). Play, no. I saw Pelé give a show. Because when he got the ball he always did something special, which often ended in a goal. I confess that I was angry with Pelé, because he always massacred my Corinthians. But, first and foremost, I admired him .... Few Brazilians took the name of our country as far as he did." — LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA, Brazil’s President-elect.

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“RIP Pelé. A hero to so many and one of the greatest to ever grace the game.” — SADIQ KHAN, London Mayor.

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“He was and will remain the king of football. Goodbye Pele.” — KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister.

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"Goodbye Pelé. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, was more than a legend. He put his feet up so high to conscientise and unite the world. He brought magic to the game of football and joy to the rest of us." — GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, former President of Nigeria

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“Pelé had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pelé, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.” — GIANNI INFANTINO, FIFA president.

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“A simple goodbye to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that hits the entire world of football at this moment. An inspiration for so many millions, a reference of yesterday, today, always. The affection he has always shown for me was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even at distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will last forever in each and everyone of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pelé.” — CRISTIANO RONALDO, Portuguese Footballer.

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"Pelé was not only one of the greatest footballers of all time,but also one of the greatest people of all time. His impact on the game continues to inspire generations of players today. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever." — LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI (Leo Messi), Argentine Professional Footballer

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“Your place is on God’s side. My eternal king. Rest in peace.” — ROBERTO RIVELLINO, 1970 World Cup winner and teammate of Pele on the Brazilian national team.

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“Before Pelé, ’10′ was just a number. I read that somewhere at some point in my life. But that line, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say that before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the Black and above all he gave Brazil visibility. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!” — NEYMAR DA SILVA SANTOS, Brazilian Footballer.

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“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.” — KYLIAN MBAPPÉ, French Footballer.

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“With the death of Pelé, soccer has lost one of its greatest legends, if not the greatest. Like all legends, the King seemed immortal. He made people dream and continued to do that with generations and generations of lovers of our sport. Who, as a child, didn’t dream of being Pelé?" — DIDIER DESCHAMPS, former Player and Manager of the French national team.

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“It will be very difficult to find another Pelé. Pelé had everything a player should have. Agile, jumped like no one, could kick with both legs, physically very strong and brave. There was no one like Pelé.” — CESAR LUIS MENOTTI, Argentine Coach and Pele teammate in the Santos Football Club in Brazil.

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“Today football says goodbye to its most beautiful chapter. The man who charmed the world and changed the history of the game forever. You will always be the greatest, because 60 years ago, with all the difficulties you faced, you already did what only a few can do today. The man who dedicated his 1000th goal to children and made our country discover it could be much more." - RICHARLISON, Brazil Footballer.

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“Pelé is an incontestable symbol of our nation, a source of pride for all of us. Beyond his achievements as a legend of world sport, Pelé was an exemplary public officer, loyal to his principles, values and to our country. We all lose in his departure.” — FERNANDO HENRIQUE CARDOSO, Former Brazilian President (Pelé served as his sports minister).

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“Football lost the greatest in its history today – and I a unique friend. Born in Três Corações, Pelé had three hearts: for football, for his family, for all people. One who played with the stars and always remained grounded. In 1977, I went to the United States. Because I really wanted to play in a team with Pelé at the New York Cosmos. That time by his side was one of the greatest moments of my career. We became U.S. champions together straight away, and Pelé called me his brother from that moment. It was an unimaginable honor for me." — FRANZ BECKENBAUER, West Germany star.

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“I had the pleasure of meeting Pelé on a number of occasions in the 1980s and 1990s and our last meeting was on a working visit to Mexico in 2013 in Guadalajara. In each of our meetings I was struck by that same sense of joy with which he graced the football pitch.” — MICHAEL D. HIGGINS, Ireland President.

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“Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.” — GARY LINKER, former English Player and Broadcaster.

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“Pele was a truly magical footballer and a wonderful human being. It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.” - SIR BOBBY CHARLTON, former English Footballer.

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“This is very sad news indeed…Pele was an unbelievable footballer; he had style, grace, flair and made everything look so easy. The precision in the way he played made him such a joy to watch. However more than anything he was a good man with a great presence and a fantastic smile.” - DENIS LAW, former Scottish Footballer.

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"In my era, you grew up knowing of Pelé and thinking of him as the best player the world has ever seen. It's very sad, whenever an icon passes away it's a very sad moment for football. He's certainly well remembered around the world." — EDDIE HOWE, English Association Football Manager

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"We are saddened by the demise of Brazilian and World Football legend Pele. Our condolences to the Brazilian Football Federation, all Brazilians and to all football-loving fans across the World. May Pele forever rest in his glory!" — GHANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION 

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"The greatest player of all time: three World Cup triumphs, the first at the age of 17, and an immense talent. You were an icon and a legend. Rest in peace, Pelé." — LAUREN ETAME MAYER, former Cameroonian Footballer

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"Growing up in Allahabad I heard about Pele and his magic. He was a super star and global celebrity when the world had no internet or social media. Like a true sportsman his fame was because of his skills and those beautiful goals he scored. RIP." — MOHAMMAD KAIF, Indian Cricketer

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"Dear Edson, you have brought such joy to the world during your exhilarating career and have always remained a model of enthusiasm, positivity, loyalty, and passion. You have been and forever will be a beacon of light, representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship." — ANDREA BOCELLI, Italian tenor and multi-instrumentalist

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"Louis Vuitton is also deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time. Our thoughts are with his family and friends." — LOUIS VUITTON, French Luxury Fashion House

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"Pelé was incomparable, a true artist, a genius. He united people and will be forever cherished. I can’t think of many sportsmen who would would create a state of national mourning. I read he will be buried overlooking Santos stadium on the 9th floor (the number his dad wore)" — ALISON BENDER, TV Presenter / Reporter

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"Edson Arantes de Nascimento (Pelé), Rest in Peace. You remain the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) soccer maestro. You made my childhood years joyous with love of the game. You defined football." — KINGSLEY MOGHALU, Nigerian Political Economist

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"Pelé - goals, skills, speed, ball control, tactical genius, charisma, trophies, legacies. No dispute, he really was The Greatest." — MUTIU ADEPOJU, Nigerian former football player

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"Goodbye Legend! You and your game will be missed always. Heartfelt condolences to family, friends and fans. #RestInPeace #Pele" — BHAICHUNG BHUTIA, India Footballer

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"Rest well Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pelé. He was just 17 when he won the first of his three World Cups in the games hosted by Sweden in 1958. He retired from the Brazilian national team in 1971, having scored 77 goals in 92 games – a record matched only recently by Neymar." — NOBERT MAO, Ugandan Political Analyst

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Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ds53s6

https://www.africanews.com/2022/12/30/leaders-and-football-legends-around-the-world-pay-tribute-to-pele/

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