Cristiano Ronaldo says Pele’s memory will ‘live forever’ following Brazil legend’s death aged 82

The Brazil legend, who had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years, is the only player to have won the World Cup on three occasions.

He is often mentioned alongside Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona as one of the greatest players of all time.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo said Pele was an “inspiration to so many millions”.

“My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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. 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.”

Pele shares the all-time Brazil scoring record with Neymar, both on 77 goals.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward wrote on Instagram: “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. Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: 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!!”

Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup earlier in December with Argentina, wrote: “Rest in peace.”

France forward Kylian Mbappe also paid tribute to Pele on social media.

Writing alongside a photo of himself with Pele, Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”

Pele is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 career appearances.

At club level he played for Santos and New York Cosmos.