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"Before Pele, 10 was just a number" - Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Football world pay tribute as Pele passes away 

Football world, including Ronaldo an Messi, paid their tribute to Pele
Football world, including Ronaldo an Messi, paid their tribute to Pele

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and other superstars reacted on social media as the iconic Pele passed away at the age of 82.

Football lost a true legend in the form of the Brazilian on Thursday (December 29). He was the winner of three FIFA World Cups, the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in the World Cup, and holder of several records. He is a bonafide legend and is perhaps the greatest player ever to lace up a pair of boots.

The Brazilian was an inspiration to athletes across the globe, with legends such as Ronaldo and Neymar idolizing him as well.

Superstars across the globe paid tribute to the legend after tragic reports of his passing away broke out. Here are some of the heartfelt reactions across social media to Pele's demise:

A very sad day for football.An icon and a true great of the game who touched millions around the world with his football and personality will be remembered forever.Rest in peace, Pele.🇧🇷My thoughts are with his family 💔 https://t.co/eqRDU6usba
A Sporting Legend. Rest in Peace King Pele 🕊️ https://t.co/AmehPBOR30
Pelé family statement.“Inspiration, love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever”. https://t.co/NR3osdkbch
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pele, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended our sport and inspired millions throughout his remarkable career.Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. https://t.co/ocr5KF239t
RIP PELE 🙏🏿Thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family ❤️⚽ https://t.co/82TS2bQsTA
Pele broke our hearts in 1958 to score his first World Cup goal to knock Cymru out. Today our hearts are broken again. A true sporting legend. Our thoughts are with the people of Brazil and the world football family. Gorffwys mewn hedd, Pele.#TogetherStronger https://t.co/OJT6QjOfkv
Que tristeza!🥲 29/12 a partir de hoje se tornará sempre uma data triste. A gente cresce em Santos escutando todos os dias falarem sobre você, o quão bom você era jogando e como pessoa, graças a Deus eu tive a oportunidade de te conhecer pessoalmente… https://t.co/PxB6W55Dsm
Gracias por todo lo que le diste al mundo del fútbol. Rip legend 🙏⚽️ #Pelé https://t.co/ttMaTnObfF
Rest in peace Pele, one of the greatest ever. What a role model on and off the pitch. Winner of 3 World Cups, unbelievable 🙏🏼❤️🇧🇷 #pele https://t.co/PErVqkERuF
We're extremely saddened to hear the passing of #Pele, one of the football's greatest icons.His legacy and achievements will continue to be cherished by everyone around the world. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans...Rest in peace, legend. https://t.co/Q3PMaBUfVr
The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING 💔👑… https://t.co/F55PrcM2Ud
🇧🇷 The one & only Pelé ⚽️ 1279 goals🏆 3 FIFA World Cups🏆 6 Brazilian league titles🏆 2 Copa Libertadores🎖️ FIFA Player of the Century 🎖️ TIME 100 Most Important People of the Century🐐 The GOAT & Trailblazer #FIFAWorldCup|#Pele|#BRA https://t.co/U13h7h5ssI

When Cristiano Ronaldo penned a heartfelt message after passing Pele's record

FIFA World Player of the Year Gala
FIFA World Player of the Year Gala

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the highest goalscorer in the history of football. He passed Pele's tally of 757 after scoring a hat-trick against Cagliari while playing for Juventus. The Portuguese penned a heartfelt message after breaking the record as he wrote on Instagram (via GiveMeSport):

"The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the World’s Top Scorer in football history, overcoming Pelé’s 757 official goals. Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment."

The former Real Madrid man paid his respects to Pele and his achievements as he wrote:

“My everlasting and unconditional admiration for mister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, such as the respect that I have for mid-20th century football, led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his 9 goals for São Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals."

He added:

"The World has changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history according to our interests."

Ronaldo further expressed his joy and pride at breaking the Brazilian's record as he wrote:

“Today, as I reach the 770 official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to @pele. There’s no player in the World who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception."

He added:

"And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that puts me on top of the World’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pelé’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira."

Ronaldo currently has 819 goals for club and country.

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Edited by Aditya Singh
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