Pele Dies: Football World Pays Tribute To Departed Legend

Pele died at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Thursday after a period of ill health.

Born Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, Pele is widely regarded as the greatest footballer to have ever lived.

Pele is the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

His goal tally of 1,281 in 1,363 appearances is considered a world record by the Guinness Book of Records.

The football family have been sending their tributes as a mark of respect for the departed legend.

"It was HIS beautiful game, thank you and goodbye. Rest in peace my friend," former England captain David Beckham wrote on Instagram.

Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo, wrote on Instagram: "Unique. Cool. Technical. Creative. Perfect. One of a kind. Where Pele arrived, he stayed. Without ever leaving the top, he leaves us today."

"The king of football – only one, the greatest of all time. The world is mourning. The sadness of parting mixed with the immense pride of the written history.

"What a privilege to come after you my friend, your talent is a school every player should go through. Your legacy will transcend generations. And that's how it will stay alive.

"Today and always, we celebrate you. Thank you, Pele. Rest in peace."

"Pele was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game," former United States president Obama wrote on Twitter.

"And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him."

Five-time Ballon D'or winner Cristiano Ronaldo added on Instagram: "My deepest condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Mr Edson Arantes do Nascimento."

"A mere goodbye to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that currently embraces the entire world of football.

"[He was] 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."

"Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I've read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete," Neymar wrote on social media.

"I would say before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: gave visibility to Brazil.

"Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!"