Nigeria: 'He 'Ll Never Be Forgotten' - Buhari Mourns Football Legend, Pele

Edson Arantes do Nascimento better known as Pele (file photo).
29 December 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined world leaders in expressing grief over the death of Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele who died on Thursday.

The world's greatest-ever football player succumbed to death after suffering a debilitating bout of cancer. He won three World Cups and scored over 1,281 goals, becoming the original football icon in a long career for which he was named the "Player of the Century" in the year 2000.

In a tribute to the football legend on behalf of all Nigerians, President Buhari said, "May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.

"He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman.

He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP. "

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.