Pele’s death also touched many world leaders, who published messages on social networks in which they paid tribute to the legendary Brazilian, according to News.ro.

Brazil’s president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrote on Facebook that Pele was now “in heaven” along with other “eternal stars”.

“I had a privilege that young Brazilians didn’t have: I saw Pele play live, Pacaembu and Morumbi. Not playing. I saw Pele’s performance. Because when he received the ball, he always did something special, which often ended with a goal.

I admit, I was angry with Pele because he was always killing my people, the Corinthians. But above all, I admired him. And anger soon turned to passion when he saw him wearing the number 10 shirt of the Brazilian national team. Few Brazilians have taken the name of our country as far as he has. Although their language was different from Portuguese, foreigners from the four corners of the planet soon found a way to pronounce the magic word: “Pelé”.

Pele left us today. He went to heaven to be with Coutinho, his wonderful partner at Santos. Now he has so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Socrates, Maradona… He left one certainty: there has never been a dozen like him. Thank you, Pele,” said Lula.

“Pele was one of the best players in this beautiful game. And as one of the most famous athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to unite people. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved and admired him,” wrote former US President Barack Obama on Twitter.

“Game. King. Eternity,” French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni wrote on Twitter: “With his talent and class, he managed to leave his mark even on generations that were not lucky enough to see him play. Today, everyone mourns a legend named Pele.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metzola paid tribute to Pele: “Pele was one of the greatest, if not the greatest. He made billions of people happy, made generations see what it means to enjoy football and showed the world that no dream is too big.

Europe, along with Brazil and the world, mourns the death of a giant of the beautiful game. Rest in peace”.

And Argentine President Alberto Fernandez sent his condolences to Brazil. “One of the greatest football players in history has left us. We will always remember the years when Pele impressed the world with his skill. Big hugs to his family and the Brazilian people who will carry him in their hearts.”