Brazilian football legend Pelé's death has sent shock waves across the world and reverberated through South Africa.
Pelé, who many believe is the greatest to ever play the sport, died on Thursday “due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition”.
He was 82.
“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever,” the star's management said in a statement.
His name immediately became the subject at dinner tables and in social media chats as people around the world paid tribute.
In South Africa, Pelé's name topped the local Twitter charts with politicians, sports personalities and fans sharing their heartbreak about the news, and recounting moments from his life.
Here are some of the tributes:
Pele 💔 #RIPPele #RipLegend
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) December 29, 2022
The whole world bows it’s heads in honour of so priceless a gift Pele was to us all, soccer in particular 🙏🏾
May his soul rest in the same glory he bestowed on world soccer. Condolences to Brazil 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/lgT3swvK2J
RIP KING, LEGEND THE GREAT Pele pic.twitter.com/z0Kaq9T83a
— Sgeleqe esi focus (@Ndumiso_kaMagay) December 30, 2022
R.I.P Pele 🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/2xSRNkArXO
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) December 29, 2022
If there’s one person with great stories to tell about the great #Pele , it’s the Black Prince… Jomo Sono. Having played together at @NYCosmos , in my previous interviews with him…he had lots of stories to share about the departed icon. pic.twitter.com/bu44BzG6b2
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) December 29, 2022
Pele played with so much happiness and it’s evident in the generations of footballers who followed his path. A true legend of the game, one of the greatest to ever lace up the boots and bring magic to the field #pele #rip pic.twitter.com/EU4xMQcEfQ
— Sachin Moodley (@Iamsachmoodley) December 29, 2022
Farewell King Pele 🙏🏿 Thank you for everything!! pic.twitter.com/UP6cm17kAy
— Isphile Lingani (@ISPHILELINGANI) December 30, 2022
Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away at 82, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game.
— Nhlanhla Ngwenya 🌄🚶♂️🐊 (@ngwenya_welcome) December 29, 2022
A man with a god-given talent, one of the names who will remain forever in the memory.
All thoughts with the family.
RIP, legend 🕊️#RIPPELE pic.twitter.com/Y0y8Ehsgvy
Pele had a fire fade & stories about scoring goals that weren’t counted in his resume. R.I.P legend 🕊️
— Sbuerry Henry (@SbuTheGooner_) December 29, 2022
RIP to the King you served, RIP Pele pic.twitter.com/TGd6Ow4n7n
— MK Game Changer (@msa_f1) December 29, 2022
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