‘Thank you’ – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal salute ‘king’ Pele after Brazil legend’s death aged 82

Pele, widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, is the only player to win three World Cups. He also remains Brazil’s joint-top all-time goalscorer, alongside Neymar, with 77 goals and scored a remarkable 643 goals in 659 games for Santos.

“Thank you for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes,” Federer wrote on Instagram.

“I count myself so fortunate to have met you and gotten a chance to learn and look up to you. You were one of the first true global sporting icons. Rest in peace King Pele.”

Nadal, who surpassed Federer at the summit of the men’s game with his 21st and 22nd Grand Slam titles last season, echoed his great rival’s sentiments.

“Today a world sporting great is leaving again. A sad day for the world of football, for the world of sport. His legacy will always be with us,” he wrote.

“I didn’t see him play, I wasn’t that lucky, but they always taught me and told me that he was the king of football. Rest in peace! The King!”

Pele, who had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years, is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 career appearances.

Premier League and English Football League clubs will hold a minute’s applause and wear black armbands to remember the Brazilian great.