Mbappe among those to share their condolences (Picture: Getty)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are among the stars of world football to have paid tribute to Pele following the football legend’s death.
The football world is in mourning after the Brazilian icon, the only player in history to win three World Cups, passed away at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.
Tributes have flooded in from the sporting world with Cristiano Ronaldo hailing the inspirational ‘King Pele’.
‘My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento,’ Ronaldo wrote in a message shared on Instagram.
‘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.’
France superstar Kylian Mbappe shared an image of him alongside the legendary footballer with the message: ‘The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.’
‘Former England striker Gary Lineker meanwhile wrote: ‘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.’
passed away at Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, with his daughter Kely Nascimento confirming his passing on Thursday evening.
A message shared through Pele’s personal Twitter account said: ‘Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.
‘On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.
‘His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever.’
MORE : How many goals did Pele score in his career?
MORE : How many times did Pele win the World Cup with Brazil?
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Messages have flooded in from around the football world.
