Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, died on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, following a bout with cancer.
## What happened?
Pelé, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, won three World Cups with Brazil and played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
He sparked the growth of interest and participation in soccer in the United States.
## Why it matters for Pelé
Neymar, a 30-year-old Brazilian soccer star, wrote on Instagram: "Before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pelé changed everything."
He turned football into art, into entertainment, and gave a voice to the poor and black people.
## What comes next?
Cristiano Ronaldo penned a heartfelt post on his Instagram, expressing his deepest condolences to Pelé's family and the entire world of football.
Lionel Messi, a recent World Cup winner, wrote on Instagram: "Rest in peace, @pele."
French soccer star Kylian Mbappe also paid tribute, saying: "The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten."
Former Brazil star Ronaldo, whose full name is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, dubbed Pelé "unequaled" and a "great technician."
Pelé's legacy transcends generations, and he will be remembered as one of the most popular athletes in the world.
He played for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, helping to popularize soccer in the United States.
Pelé's impact on the sport will be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations of soccer players.
As Neymar noted, Pelé's magic will remain, and he will be remembered as the "King of football."
Pelé's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the soccer community, with many players and coaches sharing their memories and condolences.
The Brazilian football legend will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the sport he loved.
Pelé's family and friends will remember him as a kind and generous person who always showed affection to those around him.
His memory will last forever in the hearts of football lovers around the world.
Pelé's passing was announced on December 29, 2022, and he is survived by his family and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.