Tributes to Pele have continued to pour in, including from some of the biggest stars in tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Federer once met Pele and exchanged memorabilia with the football legend.
“Thank you for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes,” Federer wrote on Instagram. “I count myself so fortunate to have met you and gotten a chance to learn and look up to you. You were one of the first true global sporting icons. Rest in peace King Pele ??”
Djokovic also paid tribute to the Brazilian icon on Instagram stories. Another star who posted was Nadal.
"Today we say goodbye to one of the sporting greats. It's a sad day for football and sport. His legacy will live forever,” Nadal wrote. “I didn't see him playing, I wasn't that lucky, but they always told me he was the king of football. Rest in peace! O Rei!"
Tsitsipas shared a personal story, revealing that his grandfather competed in football against Pele.
“I have always been a huge fan of his. His talent and skill on the pitch were truly legendary, and his electrifying play made him an icon around the world. I have always been fascinated by his story and his impact on the sport of football, and one of my few dreams has always been to meet him in person and thank him for all that he has done for the game,” Tsitsipas wrote. “My grandfather, who was fortunate enough to play against Pelé at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, had always spoken highly of him. He said that Pelé was a true ambassador for the sport and that his combination of skill, talent, and sportsmanship was unmatched by any other player of his time.
“He said that it was an honor to be able to compete against such a great athlete, and that he always played with class and dignity. To me, Pelé represents everything that is great about sports.
“His love for the game and his beautiful soul will never be forgotten, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his talent firsthand. His legacy will continue to inspire athletes and fans for generations to come, and his impact on the sport of football will never be forgotten. The world
Pelé!”
Federer once met Pele and exchanged memorabilia with the football legend.
“Thank you for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes,” Federer wrote on Instagram. “I count myself so fortunate to have met you and gotten a chance to learn and look up to you. You were one of the first true global sporting icons. Rest in peace King Pele ??”
Djokovic also paid tribute to the Brazilian icon on Instagram stories. Another star who posted was Nadal.
"Today we say goodbye to one of the sporting greats. It's a sad day for football and sport. His legacy will live forever,” Nadal wrote. “I didn't see him playing, I wasn't that lucky, but they always told me he was the king of football. Rest in peace! O Rei!"
Tsitsipas shared a personal story, revealing that his grandfather competed in football against Pele.
“I have always been a huge fan of his. His talent and skill on the pitch were truly legendary, and his electrifying play made him an icon around the world. I have always been fascinated by his story and his impact on the sport of football, and one of my few dreams has always been to meet him in person and thank him for all that he has done for the game,” Tsitsipas wrote. “My grandfather, who was fortunate enough to play against Pelé at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, had always spoken highly of him. He said that Pelé was a true ambassador for the sport and that his combination of skill, talent, and sportsmanship was unmatched by any other player of his time.
“He said that it was an honor to be able to compete against such a great athlete, and that he always played with class and dignity. To me, Pelé represents everything that is great about sports.
“His love for the game and his beautiful soul will never be forgotten, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his talent firsthand. His legacy will continue to inspire athletes and fans for generations to come, and his impact on the sport of football will never be forgotten. The world
Pelé!”