•Ruto eulogized Pelé as a Global icon of sporting excellence and high athletic achievement was an inspirational model which encouraged young men to transcend their limitations
•Pele was Brazil's all-time leading men's scorer with 77 goals in 92 games.
Image: Twitter
The world is mourning the death of a football icon, Pelé.
The Brazilian football icon regarded as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup winner died on Thursday at the age of 82.
"Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace," Pele's daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.
The legend died on Thursday night at Sao Paulo hospital.
Pele had been hospitalized at the facility on November 29, 2022 for what his medical team called a re-evaluation of his chemotherapy treatments, which he has been receiving since having surgery to remove a colon tumor in September 2021.
In Kenya, his name was a common term to footballer lovers who saw him doing what he loved most in the field, more so after winning the World Cup with his team in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
President William Ruto eulogized Pelé as a Global icon of sporting excellence and high athletic achievement was an inspirational model which encouraged young men to transcend their limitations and defy all economic, social, cultural and political barriers.
His legacy extends beyond the soccer pitch, the goals he scored and all his other exploits beyond soccer itself where his charisma and talent made wonderful things possible to authentic global leadership of a unique, talismanic kind.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 29, 2022
May his soul rest in peace.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said the late footballer deserved credit for the entertaining matches we've come to expect.
What a loss for humanity. Pele was a great and charismatic personality who changed football forever.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 29, 2022
He deserves credit for the entertaining matches we've come to expect.
In many ways, he was the best and a pioneer. He'll be dearly missed. Pele, Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/b7ryQVSQHu
Other leaders also sent their condolences to Pele's family and Brazil as a nation.
A 21 year professional footballing career that included 3 World Cup titles would cement his iconic and legendary status as sports first true global superstar.
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) December 29, 2022
Thank you @Pele for sharing with us your gifts.
"Love, love and love, forever." pic.twitter.com/58JTKHEkrC
The football World has lost yet another legend. Rest in Peace Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele. pic.twitter.com/9qIDWXiEBL
— Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH. (@governorkingi) December 29, 2022
A legend has rested. The only player to win 3 World Cup titles. Go well Pele. pic.twitter.com/zFeEUFZ4u0
— Charity Ngilu (@mamangilu) December 29, 2022
A Football Hero has Fallen!
— Rt.Hon.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) December 29, 2022
When referring to @Pele the adjective "excellent" is not overused.
When @Pele was on the field, the spectators always had high expectations.
He cherished life, sport, and all things related to it. Rest In Peace Pele. #Pele #Brazil pic.twitter.com/V5NLFAlbXk
The legend, Pelé, winner of a record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for ‘the beautiful game,’ inspired scores across generations right across the world. He shall be missed by many. RIP pic.twitter.com/8cUlI6cs0L
— Gladys Wanga, CBS (@gladyswanga) December 29, 2022