Pelé died on Thursday at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that transcends soccer.
He scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches and is the only three-time world champion, winning titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
What happened?
Pelé's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from around the world, with current Brazil forward Neymar writing: "Before Pelé, '10' was just a number... Pelé changed everything."
Why it matters for Pelé
Pelé's impact on soccer and beyond is immeasurable, with former U.S. President Barack Obama noting: "As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together."
What comes next?
Pelé's legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and fans, with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé tying Pelé for sixth in career World Cup goals with a hat trick in this month's loss to Argentina in the final.
Pelé was a revered sports figure, comfortable mingling with heads of states and celebrities as he was evading defenders.
He made an impact in capitals across continents, with President Joe Biden tweeting: "For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé's rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible."
Ronaldo, who led Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, described Pelé as "Unique. Genius. Skilled. Creative. Perfect. Unmatched."
Pelé's greatest impact was in Brazil, a unifying figure celebrated during the 2014 World Cup.
Former Brazil President and current President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wrote: "I saw Pelé play, live, at Pacaembu and Morumbi (stadiums)... Few Brazilians took the name of our country as far as he did."
Pelé's death was especially impactful for generations of Brazilian players who idolized him.
Romario, a 1994 World Cup champion, wrote: "Today Brazil waves goodbye to one of its most illustrious children... Edson Arantes do Nascimento made the world bow to his talent and took Brazilian soccer to the altar of gods."
Pelé inspired generations of athletes and deserves every tribute.
France coach Didier Deschamps said in a statement: "He made people dream and continued to do that with generations and generations of lovers of our sport... Who, as a child, didn’t dream of being Pelé?"
Pelé was the alliance of beauty and efficiency, with his talent and list of achievements staying engraved in minds forever.
Pelé not only filled stadiums but also inspired a nation, with his legacy continuing to live on through the countless lives he touched.
On Thursday, the world mourned the loss of a soccer legend, but his impact will never be forgotten.