Fare thee well Pele

Image: Wikimedia Commons. Pele Celebrating 1970.

Yesterday, the Brazilian widely revered as the greatest ever to play the beautiful game, Pele, tragically passed away to the utter dismay of millions in his native Brazil and around the globe.

The greatly esteemed football icon sadly died at 82 from multiple organ failure with his family by his bedside.

Despite the sorrow prompted by his demise, tributes have been pouring in from the great and good of global affairs, not just football, which demonstrates the massive impact that Pele had as a football maestro, who transcended the sport.

Indeed, this roll-call of prominent individuals who have offered their condolences to Pele’s grieving family include the incumbent US President Joe Biden as well as erstwhile American presidents, such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

At the end of the day though, it will be Pele’s limitless potential and mesmerizing artistry that will doubtlessly stand the test of time.

Affectionately dubbed the ‘King’, Pele also leaves behind a number of impressive records, which have yet to be broken.

These enduring accomplishments include being the only football icon to have lifted the world cup three times and also being the only player to have hung up his boots after having scored in excess of 1,000 goals.

In retirement, Pele became football’s foremost ambassador and over the years he came to be regarded as the global face of the beautiful game.

An undisputed football genius, Pele leaves behind a towering legacy and an assured place among football’s pantheon of bona fide immortals.