Before Pelé, “10” was just a number. I read that phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But that sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say that before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to black people and especially: Gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will remain.

— Brazil international Neymar Jr (@neymarjr)

Rest in peace Pele.

— Argentina international Lionel Messi (@leomessi)

The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.

RIP KING

— France international Kylian Mbappe (@KMbappe)

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 Pelé 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 Pelé.

— Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Unique. Cool. Technical. Creative. Perfect. One of a kind. Where Pelé arrived, he stayed. Without ever leaving the top, he leaves us today. The king of football – only one, the greatest of all time, the world of mourning. The sadness of parting mixed with the immense pride of the written history. What a privilege to come after you my friend. Your talent is a school every player should go through. Your legacy will transcend generations. And that’s how it will stay alive. Today and always, we celebrate you. Thank you, Pelé. Rest in peace.

— Former Brazil international Ronaldo (@ronaldo)

I am grateful to God for @Pele being Brazilian. Our football is known and respected worldwide for everything it has done on the field and will never be forgotten. I am proud to have played in two World Cups with the number 10, which was consecrated by him.

King Pelé, your legacy is eternal.

— Former Brazil international Rivaldo (@RIVALDOOFICIAL)

Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.

— Former England international Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker)

Pele left us today. He went to make a table in heaven with Coutinho, his great partner at Santos. He now has the company of so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Sócrates, Maradona… He left a certainty: there had never been a number 10 like him. Thank you, Pele.

— Brazil President-elect Lula (@LulaOficial)

Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.

— Former US President Barack Obama (@BarackObama)

A Sporting Legend. Rest in Peace King Pele.

— Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt (@usainbolt)

Pelé had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pelé, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.

— FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Pelé is an incontestable symbol of our nation, a source of pride for all of us. Beyond his achievements as a legend of world sport, Pelé was an exemplary public officer, loyal to his principles, values and to our country. We all lose in his departure.”

— Former Brazil President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, for whom Pelé served as sports minister.