• Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, on May 8 1960, in Malmo. Pele scored two goals as Brazil won 7-1. AFP
    Pele dribbles past a defender during a friendly match between Malmo and Brazil, on May 8 1960, in Malmo. Pele scored two goals as Brazil won 7-1. AFP
  • The Brazilian striker, wearing his Santos jersey, before playing a friendly match against the French club Racing, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. AFP
    The Brazilian striker, wearing his Santos jersey, before playing a friendly match against the French club Racing, on June 13, 1961 in Colombes, in the suburbs of Paris. AFP
  • In June 1962, in Vina del Mar, a few days before a World Cup quarter-final against England. Pele did not participate in that match and was out for the remainder of the competition after pulling a muscle during the first-round match against Czechoslovakia. AFP
    In June 1962, in Vina del Mar, a few days before a World Cup quarter-final against England. Pele did not participate in that match and was out for the remainder of the competition after pulling a muscle during the first-round match against Czechoslovakia. AFP
  • During a break in training, at Selsdon Park Hotel in London, on May 7, 1963. Getty Images
    During a break in training, at Selsdon Park Hotel in London, on May 7, 1963. Getty Images
  • With US politician Robert Kennedy at the Maracana, after Brazil played the Soviet Union, on November 21, 1965. Getty Images
    With US politician Robert Kennedy at the Maracana, after Brazil played the Soviet Union, on November 21, 1965. Getty Images
  • Pele marks the 1,000th goal of his career, on December 12, 1969. Getty Images
    Pele marks the 1,000th goal of his career, on December 12, 1969. Getty Images
  • The Brazilian striker and Bobby Moore of England exchange shirts after the World Cup Group C game at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico 7 Jun 1970. Brazil won 1-0. Getty Images
    The Brazilian striker and Bobby Moore of England exchange shirts after the World Cup Group C game at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico 7 Jun 1970. Brazil won 1-0. Getty Images
  • Pele shoots during Brazil's match against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Reuters
    Pele shoots during Brazil's match against Czechoslovakia at the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Reuters
  • Holding aloft the trophy after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final on June 21, 1970. AFP
    Holding aloft the trophy after Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final on June 21, 1970. AFP
  • Pele celebrates after Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Getty Images
    Pele celebrates after Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, in Mexico. Getty Images
  • The legend is surrounded by a large crowd, in March 1971, at the Champs-Elysees in Paris. AFP
    The legend is surrounded by a large crowd, in March 1971, at the Champs-Elysees in Paris. AFP
  • Pele introduces French actress Brigitte Bardot to his teammates during a match organised in aid of cancer research in Paris, on April 1, 1971. AFP
    Pele introduces French actress Brigitte Bardot to his teammates during a match organised in aid of cancer research in Paris, on April 1, 1971. AFP
  • A retired Pele coaches Japanese boys at the National Stadium in Tokyo, in November 1974. Getty Images
    A retired Pele coaches Japanese boys at the National Stadium in Tokyo, in November 1974. Getty Images
  • During a training session with boys, as part of a trip to Thailand, in December 1974. AFP
    During a training session with boys, as part of a trip to Thailand, in December 1974. AFP
  • Embracing former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton during the friendly match between Man United and Juventus, in New Jersey, July 2003. Getty Images
    Embracing former England and Manchester United player Bobby Charlton during the friendly match between Man United and Juventus, in New Jersey, July 2003. Getty Images
  • Pele scores the equalising goal for the Allied Prisoners Of War, during the match against Germany, in the 1981 film 'Escape to Victory'. Reuters
    Pele scores the equalising goal for the Allied Prisoners Of War, during the match against Germany, in the 1981 film 'Escape to Victory'. Reuters
  • Diego Maradona is greeted by guest of honour Pele after the Centenary Classic at Wembley in London, in August 1987. Getty Images
    Diego Maradona is greeted by guest of honour Pele after the Centenary Classic at Wembley in London, in August 1987. Getty Images
  • Pele is presented with the Greatest Football Player Trophy by George Best, before an American League match between Aztecs and New York Cosmos at the Rose Bowl, in Los Angeles, April 1987. Reuters
    Pele is presented with the Greatest Football Player Trophy by George Best, before an American League match between Aztecs and New York Cosmos at the Rose Bowl, in Los Angeles, April 1987. Reuters
  • Bill Clinton, US president at the time, plays with Pele, in October 1997, during a visit to the Mangueira School in the favela of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. AFP
    Bill Clinton, US president at the time, plays with Pele, in October 1997, during a visit to the Mangueira School in the favela of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro. AFP
  • Pele in 1992 at an appearance to promote his tie-up with a credit card company that was sponsor of the 1994 World Cup. AFP
    Pele in 1992 at an appearance to promote his tie-up with a credit card company that was sponsor of the 1994 World Cup. AFP
  • Carrying the Olympic Torch out of Maracana Stadium, on Day 10 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, in Rio De Janiero. The Olympic Flame travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Games in Athens. AFP
    Carrying the Olympic Torch out of Maracana Stadium, on Day 10 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, in Rio De Janiero. The Olympic Flame travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Games in Athens. AFP
  • Pele steps in fresh cement to leave his mark on the path of fame at the Maracana, in June 2000. AFP
    Pele steps in fresh cement to leave his mark on the path of fame at the Maracana, in June 2000. AFP
  • During a friendly to celebrate his 50th birthday in Milan, on October 31, 1990. AFP
    During a friendly to celebrate his 50th birthday in Milan, on October 31, 1990. AFP
  • Pele takes a tour of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai, on January 16, 2014. AFP
    Pele takes a tour of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai, on January 16, 2014. AFP
  • Pele holding a framed picture of a 1973 football match between his former team Santos and UAE club Al Nasr, after receiving it from former players Mohamed Kahoor and Mohammed Al Khous in Dubai, 2014. AFP
    Pele holding a framed picture of a 1973 football match between his former team Santos and UAE club Al Nasr, after receiving it from former players Mohamed Kahoor and Mohammed Al Khous in Dubai, 2014. AFP

Sport

Football

Pele 'made No 10 something special': Premier League managers pay tribute to Brazil legend

The three-time World Cup winner died on Thursday at the age of 82

Jon Turner

December 30, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Pep Guardiola said Pele's impact on football "will always remain" as Premier League managers paid tribute to the Brazilian great during Friday's pre-match press conferences.

Pele died on Thursday at the age of 82 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the Brazilian is the only player to win the World Cup three times and scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977.

HIs death has led to an outpouring of tributes around the world, with footballers past and present, athletes from other sports, politicians, and millions more paying their respects on social media.

Meanwhile, several global landmarks including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and Wembley Stadium's arch have been lit up in gold and green in memory of Pele.

And ahead of this weekend's Premier League matches, managers were asked on Friday to share their thoughts about Pele.

"On behalf of Manchester City, the biggest condolences to his family and friends," Manchester City manager Guardiola said ahead of their match against Everton on Saturday. "I think Neymar said it, before him No 10 was just a number and after it became something special. What he has done for football is there and always will remain."

Speaking on the eve of the match against Leeds United, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: "In my era, you grew up knowing of Pele and thinking of him as the best player the world has ever seen. It's very sad, whenever an icon passes away it's a very sad moment for football. He's certainly well remembered around the world."

Everton manager Frank Lampard, whose distinguished playing career saw him become Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer, shared Howe's sentiments.

"My memories of him are on video footage as a young boy. It was always a matter of fact that Pele and [Diego] Maradona were the greatest," Lampard said. "All the responses since yesterday have shown he was a great man and player. It's a sad day for football."

The Premier League confirmed that this weekend's matches will feature tributes to Pele, with a one-minute silence observed before kick-off and black armbands to be worn by players and officials.

Pele's funeral will be held at Santos' Vila Belmiro Stadium on Monday and Tuesday, when fans will be able to pay their final respects.

Updated: December 30, 2022, 6:13 PM
Brazil