The globe has united in grieving the passing of Brazilian football star Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pele, together with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Pele, who had recently been afflicted with kidney and prostate issues, passed away on Thursday.
The NFF and CAF expressed their sorrow over the passing of the football legend on social media.
“We express our sorrow following the sad passing of football icon and Brazilian great Edson Arantes Do Nascimento ‘Pele.’ We mourn his demise with the rest of the football family worldwide and the Brazilian football family in particular. May his soul rest in peace,” the NFF wrote on their official Twitter handle.
CAF tweeted: “The football World mourns one of the greatest icons of all-time. Our thoughts and condolences go to Pele’s family and friends. 🙏.”
Over the course of a 21-year career, he is credited with scoring a world-record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, including 77 goals in 92 international games.
Pele was selected as FIFA’s Player of the Century in 2000. Pele is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, taking home the trophy in 1958, 1962, and 1970.