Pelé dies aged 82, tributes pour in from around the world
Live MintPelé was remembered for a life beyond the field, for transcending the sport of soccer and becoming perhaps the most well-known person on Earth. "Today Brazil waves goodbye to one of its most illustrious children," wrote Romario, a 1994 World Cup champion who used Pelé's full name in his post. Throughout his life, Pelé inspired generations of athletes and deserves every tribute.” Ronaldo, who led Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, described Pelé as “Unique. U.S. President Joe Biden tweeted: “For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible.” Pelé's greatest impact was in Brazil, a unifying figure celebrated during the 2014 World Cup. When Pelé played for the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League from 1975-77, he helped spark soccer’s rise in the United States, leading to the nation hosting the World Cup in 1994.