In wake of the news that Pelé died Thursday, Neymar took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to the soccer legend.
Neymar detailed how “before Pelé, “10” was just a number,” per a Google translation of his Instagram caption. However, he felt that this statement, which he had read before, was “incomplete” and took it a step further.
“I would say that before Pelé, football was just a sport. Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to Black people and especially: Gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will remain. Pele is ETERNAL!!”
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Pelé had been hospitalized since Nov. 29, and just over a week ago, doctors shared in a statement to the Associated Press that the legend’s condition was worsening. He had been undergoing chemotherapy since a tumor was removed from his colon in Sept. 2021, and he was in the hospital to regulate his cancer medication.
The hospital said on Dec. 21 that the legend had been moved to “elevated care” related to “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions.” However, there was no mention of if his cancer had spread to other organs, per the AP. His family released a statement confirming Pelé’s death on Thursday, sharing how “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all of our problems: love.
“His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever.”
That message of love was evident in recent weeks, particularly during the World Cup. When Brazil’s run in the World Cup ended earlier this month, Pelé shared a message with Neymar on Instagram. Neymar tied Pele’s all-time scoring record in the World Cup, amassing 77 goals for the Seleção and reaching the all-time great
“I saw you grow up, I cheered for you every day and finally I can congratulate you on equaling my number of goals with the Brazilian National Team,” Pelé wrote on Instagram. “We both know that it’s much more than a number. Our greatest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our colleagues in the profession today, the next generations and most of all inspire all who love our sport.
“Unfortunately, the day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to become. I’ve learned as time goes by the more our legacy grows. My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has come close to it until now. U got there boy This values the greatness of your @neymarjr.
“However, you know, as I do, that no number is greater than the joy of representing our country. I’m 82, and after all this time I hope I’ve inspired you in some way to make it this far. More than that, I hope your achievement infect the millions of people who follow you to defy what seems impossible.
“His legacy is far from over. Keep inspiring us all I will continue to punch the air of happiness with every goal you score, as I did in every match I saw you on the field.”
