Pele: Premier League and EFL clubs to wear black armbands as mark of respect for Brazil legend

Pele, 82, had been suffering with advanced colon cancer.

Tributes have been seen far and wide across the world of sport and beyond, and English football will now collectively honour the three-time World Cup winner when the matches get underway on Friday.

As well as players wearing the armbands, there will also be a minute’s applause prior to each match.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was among those to react to Pele’s death as he prepares his side to face Everton on Saturday.

“Football is football thanks to these types of people, players and human beings,” Guardiola said.

“I think Neymar said it, before the No. 10 was just a number and after it became something special – every top player wants to wear it for their team.

“What he has done for football is there and always will remain.”

Meanwhile football’s governing body FIFA lowered its flag at its Zurich headquarters to half-mast “as a symbol of mourning and respect” for Pele.