Brazil is in three days of mourning for Pele, the football star who died.
After a long battle against cancer , the 82-year old was declared dead on Thursday.
On Monday, a 24-hour wake will take place in the middle of the field at Santos Stadium. This is Pele’s hometown team and the ground where he began playing soccer as a teenager.
On Tuesday, a procession will take his coffin through the neighborhood where his mother, 100 years old, lives. The parade will be followed by a private funeral.
Pele was honored by footballers, world leaders, and entertainers.
Neymar, Brazil’s forward, stated that he was no longer able to match Pele’s record for 77 international goals in the last World Cup. Pele will always be remembered.”
“Before Pele, football was just an art form. Pele has made it all possible.”
Neymar paid a touching tribute to Brazil on Instagram by writing: “He transformed football into art, entertainment. He gave voice the the poor, the blacks, and most importantly: He gave visibility Brazil.
The King has helped Brazil and soccer to rise in stature. His magic is still there, though he’s gone. Pele is FOREVER!
Former US President Bill Clinton stated that Pele was not only a football legend, but also a humanitarian icon and global icon.
“He used his platform for empowerment of disenfranchised kids and to inspire generations around the globe.”
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said that Pele’s legacy will live on forever. He wrote on Twitter: “The Game. The king. Eternity.”
Continue reading:Pele was the embodiment of the idea that football is a beautiful game
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Jair Bolsonaro’s government, which finishes his term as Brazil’s president, stated that Pele was a “great citizen and patriot raising the name Brazil wherever he went”.
Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, Bolsonaro’s successor wrote on Twitter, “few Brazilians bore the name of our nation as far as he did”.
Franz Beckenbauer, a German football great, said on Twitter: “Football has lost the greatest in it history today – I lost a singular friend.”
“Football will always be yours.” Pele, rest in peace.
Ronaldo, a former Brazil striker, said on Instagram: Cool. Technical. Creative. Perfect. Unique.
“Where Pele arrived, He stayed. He never left the top and he is still with us today. The King of Football – Only one of the greatest football players of all time.
“The world is in mourning. The sadness at parting mixed with immense pride in the written history.
“What an honor to follow you, my friend. Your talent should be a model for all players.
“Your legacy will be passed on to future generations. It will continue to live in this way. We celebrate you today and forever.
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Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, said that “Pele had an enviable presence, and when you were there, the rest of world was stopped.”
His life is more than just football. He changed perceptions in Brazil, South America and around the globe.
“His legacy cannot be summarized in words.
“Today we mourn the loss of our dear Pele’s physical presence, but he attained immortality long ago, so he will always be with us forever.”
Gary Lineker tweeted, “The most sublime of footballers and joyful of men.
“He played a sport that only a handful of people have even come close to.”
Sir Geoff Hurst, England World Cup winner, said that Pele is still the greatest player of all time. He was also proud to have been on the pitch with him. Thank you, Pele.
Brazil’s Christ The Redeemer statue was lit up in Brazilian colors to honor Pele’s death.
