Cricketers pay tribute after football icon Pele's untimely demise

Brazil great and three-time World Cup winner Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, passed away at the age of 82 after an ill-fated fight with cancer. He bid farewell to his family and friends before taking his last breath at the Albert Einstein Hospital on Thursday in his hometown Sao Paulo. 

Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, Pele rose to fame after signing for Santos at the age of 15. The following year, he shattered records after scoring 58 league goals in a single season for Santos, a record that stands to date. However, it was the 1958 World Cup that elevated the Brazilian at the global stage. 

Pele netted six times at the global mega event, including twice in the final of the competition to hand his country their first-ever World Cup title. His monumental success at just 17 made him the youngest player ever to score in the World Cup final, and the youngest player ever to lift the coveted title. Brazil defended the crown in 1962, but their star player featured only twice in the competition due to an injury.

His fourth and last World Cup in 1970, proved to be his greatest, as he gave a befitting reply to his doubters after lifting his third World Cup title, the most by any footballer. His ingenious pass to Carlos Alberto's iconic goal in the final against Sweden is regarded as one of the greatest moves in the history of the competition. He scored 12 goals across four tournaments and won three titles for Brazil.

While his legacy faced stiff competition from another South American superstar Diego Maradona, Pele's relatively scandal-free playing career propelled him to godly status in the game. The whole world was in mourning after his untimely demise, and cricketers from around the globe paid tribute to the icon who made people fall in love with the game.

Here is how Twitter reacted after the untimely demise of Pele:

RIP Pele. An inspiration around the world, a global icon, a legend 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iHlVzBB7j4

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) December 29, 2022

I played as many ball sports as a possible as a youngster at junior school, however, my dream was to 1 day be a professional footballer. As a striker, there was only 1 player that I wanted to emulate #RIPPelé 💔 #myhero

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) December 29, 2022

#rip #legend #pele 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/hdDJsgFcmH

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) December 29, 2022

End of an Era. Some sportspersons leave a mark which inspires generations. The great Pele’s legacy and achievements will be cherished by many generations to come. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.#Pele pic.twitter.com/mJNnyphLG0

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 29, 2022

A Magician on the field and one of the greatest sportspersons to have graced the planet. Heartfelt condolences to his family and well wishers all around the world. #Pele pic.twitter.com/FVemHsZ5FB

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 29, 2022

Endless prayers, love & respect Legend
Rest in peace King 👑 🖤🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8tKNaLU13i

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) December 29, 2022

You will be missed, king 💔
Your are an inspiration, an icon, a legend. Your legacy will live forever. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/N4FmEDsec1

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 29, 2022

The greatest of all time is gone.#RIPPele #RIPLegend

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) December 29, 2022

Legends are forever !! 🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/y1jmq656Qj

— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) December 29, 2022

RIP Pelé 🕊️

— Shai Hope (@shaidhope) December 29, 2022

You have inspired a Nation & captivated the 🌍 ……. #RIPPele #GreatestOfAllTimes 🏆🏆🏆✊🏾🕊️💐🥹 pic.twitter.com/eV30CL7Ulj

— Tino95 (@tinobest) December 29, 2022

RIP #Pele Sir 🙏🙏 Condolences to family, friends , All the fans pic.twitter.com/6qGD9B6Vv6

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 29, 2022

Thank you for the joy you brought to football fans around the world ❤️ #RipLegend pic.twitter.com/ogF7LR2YBH

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 30, 2022

Irreplaceable loss to the sporting world.The heartbeat of football. A magician who mesmerized and inspired generations!

A proper Legend #Pele 💔 RIP King pic.twitter.com/7RRQcwGS1k

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 30, 2022