Brazilian football legend Pelé died at 82 on Thursday after complications related to his battle with colon cancer.
The soccer world mourned the loss of the three-time FIFA World Cup winner. Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. were part of the many people expressing their thoughts regarding the death of Pelé.
Mbappé went on Twitter to share his initial thoughts when he heard that Pelé had died. The 24-year-old uploaded a picture of himself and the Brazilian with a small caption to honor the former player.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten,” Mbappe tweeted. “RIP KING.”
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten.
RIP KING 💔👑… pic.twitter.com/F55PrcM2Ud— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 29, 2022
Neymar, the current No. 10 for Brazil, issued a lengthy response to hearing the national icon from the South American country as he now bares the responsibility of living up to wearing the jersey Pelé made famous during his time with the national team.
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number,” Neymar wrote on Instagram. “I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport.
“Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to [black people] and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!”
Messi also went on Instagram to pay his respect to Pelé by uploading a photo he took with the former player. “Rest in peace, @pele,” the Argentine wrote.
