Rain of reactions around the world after the news of the death Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Sao Paulo, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (82 years old) alias "Pelé", following cancer.

A major figure in football, Pelé is considered the greatest player of all time. Nicknamed "The King", Pelé is the only football player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times (1958, 1962 and 1970).

Named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee, player of the 20th century by FIFA, winner of a Golden Ball of Honor, member of the world team of the 20th century, the Brazilian striker is famous for having scored more 1,000 goals in his career, some of them in friendlies.

On learning of his death, Raymonde RIVAL, the Minister of Sports "joins the Brazilian people and the world of football to pay tribute to an exceptional player whose talent and career have been a source of inspiration for many generations of players."

The Minister salutes the departure of "an icon who embodied football by achieving an extraordinary career through hitherto unequaled performances.

His club and selection career, his goals, his trophies, his spectacular actions, his legendary playing facts will remain etched in the memory of all football lovers.

She recalls the attachment of the Haitian people to Pelé, particularly following the two visits made to Haiti in 1971 and 1975, and bows before the remains of a planetary star who greatly contributed to kindling a great passion for the game in worldwide.

For Minister Rival, Pelé is leaving but the legend will live ! His legacy and influence on the game lives on forever !

That his soul rests in peace !"

The International Football Federation (FIFA) pays tribute to the "first global football star and national monument in his country", dedicating its website to the memory of Pelé visit the FIFA website : https ://www.fifa.com/fr

BF/ HaitiLibre