World leaders reverberated the death of Pelé, aged 82, this Thursday (29).
One of them was Joe Biden. The US president published a photo of himself with the King in a crowded stadium. On Twitter, the American wrote that in the sport that unites the world like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to a football legend is a possible story.
Another was Barack Obama, former US president, who met Pelé in 2019, in São Paulo, during a visit to Brazil. At the time, Pelé, who was recovering from a urinary tract infection, delivered a shirt from the Brazilian national team to the former American president. “To President Obama with a hug, Edson Pelé”.
Obama then said that the former player was the “only living legend he wanted to meet and hadn’t met yet”, which Pelé reciprocated by saying that he was a “longtime” admirer of the former president.
After learning of the King of Soccer’s death, Obama posted on Twitter: “Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And, as one of the most recognized athletes in the world, he understood the power of sport to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”
Presidents also paid tribute to the King of Football. “One of the best footballers in history left us. We will always remember those years when Pelé dazzled the world with his skills. A big hug to his family and to the people of Brazil, who will carry him in their hearts”, said Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina .
The president of France, Emmanuel Macro, posted a photo of Pelé with the words: “The Game. The King. Eternity.
The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, said that “thanks to his talent and his class”, Pelé “managed to leave his mark even on generations that were not lucky enough to see him play”. “Today the whole world mourns a legend called Pelé.”
Viktor Orbán, from Hungary, published a photo next to the former player and remembered that he was unique. In Portuguese he wrote “Adeus Lenda!”
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, recalled that “as a child, I watched Pelé in the soccer World Cup on a black and white screen. My father told me that I was the best soccer player in the world. Today I think my father he was right”, he said, adding: “A message of solidarity to his family and to all the Brazilians who loved him so much”.
Nicolás Maduro, from Venezuela, said that one of the greatest soccer players in history, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the great Pelé, has passed away for eternity. “From Venezuela we express our condolences to his family, friends and the great fans who will remember him forever. Long live Pelé.”
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, from Mexico, the country in which Pelé won his third world championship, highlighted the role of influence of the star in future generations of players in Brazil and the world. “May he rest in peace, Pelé, the great player and humble teacher who certainly influenced players like Ronaldinho with his example.”
Evo Morales, former president of Bolivia, called Edson Arantes do Nascimento his brother and the best Brazilian soccer player in the world. “Pelé will live forever in the memory of those who admire and play football.”
Who also mentioned that Pelé influenced generations was Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, responsible for the country’s diplomacy. “Pelé was a true legend; there was no one like him. But he also transcended the game and inspired generations on and off the pitch.”
The Swedish ambassador to Brazil, Karin Wallensteen, recalled her country’s ties with the greatest footballer in history, as it was on Swedish soil that Pelé and Brazil won the World Cup for the first time. “Pelé was not just a football star, but a much loved football player in Sweden after the 1958 World Cup. We mourn and cry together with Brazil at the death of this football icon.”
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