‘He turned football into art’ – Footballing world pays tribute to Brazil icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

BRAZIL captain Neymar said Pele “turned football into art” as the world paid tribute to the legendary three-time World Cup winner.

It has been confirmed that arguably the greatest footballer of all time died aged 82 in his homeland.

Tributes have flooded after news of Pele’s death broke around the worldGetty Images – Getty

The Brazil great had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.

Football stars and legends took to social media to pay their respects to the Santos icon and reached out to his family.

Brazil star Neymar stated: “Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life.

“But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.

“He gave voice to the poor, to the black community and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.

“Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!”

Gary Lineker tweeted: “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.”

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Manchester United great Cristiano Ronaldo posted: “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

“A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.

“An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance.

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Pele on social mediaInstagram

Brazil superstar Neymar sang Pele’s praises with a touching postInstagram

“He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele.”

The official England Twitter account posted a picture of Pele exchanging shirts with Bobby Moore after their meeting at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

“One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game,” read the tweet. “Farewell, Pele. You will never be forgotten.”

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING.”

England and United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney wrote: “Rest in peace Pele. Legend.”

United great Rio Ferdinand said: “The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe paid his respects after Pele’s deathInstagram

“I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him – equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon.”

Liverpool icon Ian Rush wrote: “A very sad day for football.

“An icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever.

“Rest in peace, Pele. My thoughts are with his family.”

Cafu posted: “He will never be forgotten.”

Sir Geoff Hurst tweeted: “I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside).

“For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you.”

Fans from around the world also took to social media to express their condolences.

This supporter tweeted: “One of the GOATs just died. RIP Pele.”

Another fan posted: “The football world has lost a legend. Rest in peace Pele.”

A third commented: “The original GOAT. A trailblazer. One of the finest players to ever lace up. He will be missed by millions.”