"The king of football has left us", Football stars pay tribute to Pele

Pele, the Brazil football legend, died on Thursday at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with cancer.

During his international career, Pele won three World Cups - in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.

Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games in his 20-year career from 1957 to 1977 although Santos claims his tally was closer to 1,000.

The former England star David Beckham leads tributes to the legendary footballer.

"It was HIS beautiful game, thank you and goodbye. Rest in peace my friend,"

Beckham wrote on Instagram.

 posted an image of himself and Pele with the words:

"The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.”

England legend Gary Lineker also wrote on his Twitter:

“Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and  joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to. 3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”

England captain Harry Kane said the Brazil legend was a true inspiration.

“Pele was a true inspiration and one of the greatest to ever play the game. Rest in peace.”

Manchester City star

 wrote on Twitter:

“Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first. RIP.”

"Forever the king of football, the Legend!,"

Chelsea center-back Thiago Silva posted on Twitter alongside a crown emoji. 

"Rest in peace, Pele. You have changed the history of football.

"Your legacy will always be in our hearts. Thanks for everything!”

Manchester United midfielder

paid tribute to the Brazilian legend.

"Rest in peace, king Pele. Thank you for the glory you gave to Brazil and football. Your legacy is eternal,"

he wrote on social media.

Tottenham Brazilian player Richarlison added:

"Today, football says goodbye to its most beautiful chapter.

"From the guy who dedicated his thousandth goal to children, stopped wars and showed an entire country that he could do more. You are and always will be matchless and eternal, King.

"Thank you and may God welcome you with open arms.”

Former Manchester United and England footballer Sir Bobby Charlton said:

“Pele was a truly magical footballer and a wonderful human being.

“It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people.”

Rio Ferdinand also wrote on his social media:

“The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!

I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him - equally rewarding.

The player, The man, The icon.”

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