![Neymar and Pele share a laugh. (AP PHOTO) Neymar and Pele share a laugh. (AP PHOTO)](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/bae7729c-73c1-47a6-b3fa-83d955a9c48e.jpg/r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
How the world has reacted to the death of Pele at age 82.
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Brazil forward NEYMAR
Before Pele, "10" was just a number. I read that phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But that phrase, beautiful, is incomplete. I'd say before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: It gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil have elevated their status thanks to the King! He's gone, but his magic will remain.
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French superstar KYLIAN MBAPPE
"The king of football has left us, but his legacy will never be forgotten."
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Argentina's World Cup winner LIONEL MESSI Messi posted a picture on Instagram of him with Pele with the message: "Rest in peace, @pele."
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Portuguese superstar CRISTIANO RONALDO
"A mere "goodbye" to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that currently embraces the entire world of football.
"An inspiration for so many millions, a reference from yesterday, today, forever. The affection he always showed for me was reciprocal in every moment we shared, even from a distance.
"He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on forever in each of us football lovers. Rest in peace, King Pele."
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"Your place is on God's side. My eternal king. Rest in peace." -- 1970 World Cup winner ROBERTO RIVELLINO and teammate of Pele on the Brazil national team.
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US President JOE BIDEN
"For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pele's rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible. Today, Jill and I's thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him."
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FIFA president GIANNI INFANTINO
"Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.".
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FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
The game. The king. Eternity.
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Manchester City forward ERLING HAALAND, who on Wednesday night became the quickest player to 20 Premier League goals.
"Everything you see any player doing, Pele did it first."
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-- Former Germany captain Franz BECKENBAUER, who played alongside Pele for the Cosmos.
"Today, football lost the greatest man in its history - and I lost a unique friend.
"Born in Tres Coracoes, Pele had three hearts: for football, for his family and for all people. Someone who played with the stars and always stayed down to earth.
"I went to the US in 1977 because I really wanted to play on a team with Pele at New York Cosmos. This time at his side was one of the greatest experiences of my career.
"We became US champions together right away, and Pele then just called me his brother. It was an unimaginable honour for me. Football will always belong to you! you will always remain Thank you for your game, O Rei!"
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Sir BOBBY CHARLTON played against Pele at the World Cup
"Pele was a truly magical footballer and a wonderful human being.
"It was an honour to have shared a pitch with him and I send my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Brazilian people."
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Tennis champion RAFAEL NADAL
Today a great of world sport is leaving us once again. A sad day for the world of football, for the world of sport. His legacy will always be with us. I didn't see him play, I wasn't that lucky, but I was always taught and told that he was the King of football. Rest in Peace! O Rei!
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UNESCO
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pele. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family. Pele was @UNESCO Champion for Sport since 1994 and worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace. He will be greatly missed.
Australian Associated Press