Brazilian great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, passed away early on Friday morning (IST) after a long battle with the ailment of cancer. Pele was suffering from this disease for a while now, and the three-time World Cup winner will now join some of football's greatest names like Diego Maradona, Alfredo di Stefano and Johan Cruyff in the football team of the heavens.
Many greats of football and outside the sport shared their condolences for Pele, and joining in these messages was Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi, on Friday, condoled the demise of the Brazilian legend, mentioning his outstanding sporting performances and success, and believes that Pele will continue to inspire the coming generations.
"The passing away of Pele leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.
"Condolences to his family and fans. RIP (rest in peace)," Modi said.
Pele's family travelled to be by his side at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo before Christmas as the legendary footballer's health worsened His death was confirmed by his daughter early on Friday morning.
Widely considered one of the best footballers of his generation, Pele helped Brazil to FIFA World Cup success in 1958, 1962 and 1970, with no player in the tournament's history winning it more than him.
Pele's first World Cup triumph in 1958 came when he was just 17 years and 249 days old, making him the youngest player ever to win it. He also scored in the showpiece game – no one younger has ever netted in a World Cup final.
That was one of 77 goals at the international level, a haul that still has not been overhauled by a Brazilian player, with Neymar just two behind. After his retirement, Pele lent his name and influence to many charitable initiatives and will be remembered as arguably the greatest World Cup player of all time.
