He “enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world, and promoted what he most felt to be the answer for all our problems: love,” according to a post on Pelé’s Facebook page.
The tweet stated that “His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.”
When Pelé scored a goal against Wales in Stockholm in 1958 at the age of 17 years and 239 days, he set a new record for the World Cup’s youngest goal scorer. He continues to hold the record and is the only player under the age of 18 to have scored in a World Cup.
Barack Obama, a former U.S. president, tweeted:
“Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together.” “Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him,” he remarked.
Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him. pic.twitter.com/urGRDePaPv
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2022
Additionally, he contributed to Brazil’s victory in the 1962 tournament in Chile. After an injury prevented him from competing in the tournament in England four years later, he dominated the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
Tarcisio Burgnich, an Italian defender in that year’s championship game, said that he had battled against Pelé in a speech to FIFA in honor of Pelé’s 80th birthday.
