Pele dies at 82: Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gary Lineker lead tributes to Brazil legend

Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game – regularly mentioned alongside Diego Maradona and, more recently, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He remains the only player to ever win three World Cup titles following his success with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has paid tribute to the legendary striker.

They tweeted an image of Pele accompanied by the word ‘Eternal’.

France star Kylian Mbappe said “the king of football has left us”, while England’s 1966 World Cup hero, Sir Geoff Hurst, said Pele was the best he ever played against.

Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “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 feeling. 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.”

Meanwhile, Brazil’s current No. 10 Neymar has written: “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 blacks 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!!”

Lionel Messi has posted a picture of the pair together with the message: “Rest in peace”.

Many famous images of Pele have been shared online since his death, including a shot of the Brazil legend swapping shirts with England captain Bobby Moore at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

England tweeted the picture with the caption: “One of the greatest to have graced the beautiful game”.

Current England captain Harry Kane has called Pele “a true inspiration”.

The Football Association have announced they will light up the Wembley arch in the colours of Brazil in his memory.

Former Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos had a message of gratitude, saying: “The football world thanks you for everything you did for us thank you KING Pele”, while Tottenham and Brazil striker Richarlison wrote “You are and will always be incomparable”.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement which read: “For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele.”

Infantino went on to say, “Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.”

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has praised Pele’s influence on the game, saying: “Everything you see any player doing, Pele did it first”.

Former England striker Gary Lineker said Pele will “always have football immortality”, while Michael Owen has called it a “sad day for football around the world”.

Clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool have paid their respects, with the Spanish giants saying “he made football greater than ever”.

Athletes from around the sporting world have shared their tributes with Formula One star Lewis Hamilton saying Pele’s “legacy will inspire us forever and always”, while Usain Bolt – who is still known as the fastest man on earth – simply referred to the Brazilian as “A Sporting Legend”.