'Before Pele, 10 was just a number': Football icons pay tribute to its King

"Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: Gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!," Neymar wrote.

Argentine icon Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup recently, however kept it simple. Posting three photos, two of which are of him with the legend, Messi wrote, "Rest in peace, Pele". The third photo was of Pele scoring at the World Cup.

Ronaldo also posted a long note on social media. "My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere "goodbye" to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pelé".

Taking to Instagram, Mbapee posted a couple of photos with the King of Football. Along with it came a note. "The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING," the French forward wrote.

Kaka also took to Instagram to share his tribute to Pele. "A great part of the history of this sport that I love so much was written by you. Thank you for taking Brazil’s name to the four corners of the world. You fascinated, moved, and touched our hearts, where you will forever be," he said.

English football star David Beckham also joined his peers to say his final goodbyes to Pele. Sharing their photos, Beckham wrote, "It was HIS beautiful game. Thank you and goodbye. Rest in peace my friend, Pele".