The Brazilian legend was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo in late November due to complications regarding his colon cancer. Pele passed away at the age of 82, following a month in the hospital.
When reports of his hospitalization hit the media, Pele posted a positive update on his health on Instagram.
“My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive. I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received. I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too. Thank you so much for everything.”
BUT…
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.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.
Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
In honor of the 82-year-old icon, the Wembley arch was illuminated in Brazilian flag colors.
Tonight we light the arch in the honour of Pelé.
— Wembley Stadium (@wembleystadium) December 29, 2022
His unique talent lit up the game of football, and inspired the world. pic.twitter.com/6Ho2Fqz37A
PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe posted a message for Pele after the Brazilian legend passed away. The Frenchman stated that the legacy of the “king of football” would never be forgotten.
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud
Not long ago, Neymar broke Pele’s personal goal-scoring record for his country, an achievement the icon congratulated before his death. The current Neymar is the No. 10 player of the Brazil team. He wears the jersey that Pele once wore and shoulders the responsibilities that Pele used to play for the national team. Neymar has the highest respect for Pele:
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number,” Neymar wrote on Instagram. “I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport.
“Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to [black people], and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!”
Without Pelé there may not have been a Neymar.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 29, 2022
His legacy lives on in the players he inspired for decades.
The giant whose shoulders the modern greats stand on. pic.twitter.com/puOMf5NCyQ
Messi also went on Instagram to pay his respect to Pelé by uploading a photo he took with the former player. “Rest in peace, @pele,” the Argentine wrote.
Descansa en paz, @pele. pic.twitter.com/qjPNpywADS
— Leo Messi Site (@leomessisite) December 29, 2022