Pele dies: Real Madrid and Barcelona among clubs to pay tribute to Brazil icon

Tributes have poured in for three-time World Cup winner Pele following the Brazil legend’s death aged 82.

The former Selecao star, widely considered one of the greatest to ever play the game, passed away on Thursday following a battle with colon cancer.

Pele’s status as one of football’s most recognised figures has drawn the sport together in mourning, with clubs across the globe honouring the late forward.

LaLiga and Champions League holders Real Madrid offered their condolences to the player’s family, while paying tribute to the legacy he leaves behind.

“The legend of Pele will remain forever in the memory of all those who love this sport and his legacy makes him one of the great myths of world football,” Los Blancos issued in a statement.

Official Statement: Pelé’s passing.#RealMadrid

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) December 29, 2022

Fellow Spanish giants Barcelona said the Brazilian “made football greater than ever”, while last season’s Champions League finalists Liverpool called him an “icon” of football.

Barça expresses its sorrow to learn of the death of the “Rei” Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time. He made football greater than ever. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/r8TQbVyN28

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 29, 2022

A legend, icon and true great of the game who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Pele. pic.twitter.com/I4UwAHmWkh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 29, 2022

Several teams paid tribute to Pele with statements incorporating some of the game’s other greats, such as Benfica, who posted a picture of him alongside late Portugal star Eusebio.

Até sempre, Pelé pic.twitter.com/aqUQwxO0Nk

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) December 29, 2022

West Ham included former England captain Bobby Moore in their image after their famous battle at the 1970 World Cup, while Ajax featured Johan Cruyff, another of the game’s great players, alongside the Brazilian.

Rest in peace, Pelé.

A true footballing legend pic.twitter.com/UtVqIRH1Qc

— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 29, 2022

Sad day for the world of football.

Rest in peace, Pelé pic.twitter.com/uVe6frAHO1

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) December 29, 2022

Premier League trio Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City recalled their memories of Pele, with the Gunners reflecting on his visit for an encounter over four decades ago following his retirement.

Rest in peace, Pele.

Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world pic.twitter.com/Ypo6NGxdqS

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2022

We are truly saddened to hear the news of Pele’s passing.

As a club, we had the privilege of hosting Pele in 1981, at Highbury. A memory we will always cherish.

Our thoughts, along with entire football community are with Pele’s loved ones today. pic.twitter.com/PZgWmXvSRh

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 29, 2022

Manchester City are saddened to learn of the passing of Brazil legend Pelé, one of the all-time greats who did so much for the beautiful game. May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/ufWoNWWcE9

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 29, 2022

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich paid tribute to “one of the all-time greats” while Serie A champions Milan also offered condolences.

FC Bayern joins the footballing world in mourning the loss of one of the all-time greats, Pelé, who has passed away at the age of 82. He will never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/btNVQb9E4j

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) December 29, 2022

We are deeply saddened to hear that football legend Pelé has passed away. May we pass on our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.

Rest in peace, O Rei. pic.twitter.com/KtnZMGuz7d

— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 29, 2022

CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, also issued a tribute to the late star, saying: “Thank you for putting South America on top.”

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