Tributes have been paid to three time World Cup winner and football icon Pele, who has died at the age of 82.
Hailed by many as one of the greatest player of all time, Pelé made a name for himself in 1958, when he helped Brazil to win the World Cup that year, scoring two goals in the final against hosts Sweden as a 17 year old.
Pelé went on to win the trophy with Brazil in 1962 and 1970. While injuries curtailed his role in the 1962 triumph, Pele scored the opening goal in the 1970 decider against Italy in a 4-1 win.
In total, Pelé scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances and over 1,000 goals throughout his entire career. While the striker spent his entire club career at Santos in Brazil.
The offical Twitter account for the football icon confirmed that Pele died aged 82 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paolo, following a battle with cancer.
"Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever", the account said.
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
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Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.
Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
"Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace", Pelé's daughter Kely Nascimento added.
See more tributes below.
Paying tribute to a true football icon.
— England (@England) December 29, 2022
Rest in peace, Pelé 💛💚 pic.twitter.com/iw1p164Jo8
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. pic.twitter.com/urGRDePaPv
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2022
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 Pele’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ocr5KF239t
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. #Pele pic.twitter.com/YwD1xvGyXm
— Andrea Bocelli (@AndreaBocelli) December 30, 2022
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