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Africa Mourns Pele, 'King of Football'

Football fans around the world have paid tribute to Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, who defined his sport and inspired generations.

The world's greatest-ever football player died at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. He was 82.

In a tribute to the legend on behalf of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu 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.

Pele and the Brazilian team won three World Cups - in 1958, 1962, 1970. During his career, he netted over 1,281 goals. He became the original football icon and was named the "Player of the Century" in 2000.

Three days of mourning for Pele have been declared by the Brazilian government.

E.T. Studhalter/World Economic Forum

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

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