Watch How Pele Cried After Finally Getting His Hands on the Ballon d’Or

• Pele finally got his hands on the Ballon d'Or trophy in 2013
• His inability to play in Europe proved detrimental to his chances of winning the coveted prize
• His sad exit has given birth to thousands of tributes from many across the globe

The football ecosystem and the world at large are still grappling with the heartbreaking news of Pele's transition to eternal glory.

Pele, football's first global icon, passed away on Thursday, December 29 after a long battle with cancer.

Widely regarded as the greatest footballer to have ever graced the sport, Pele is deemed a revolutionary character in the history of football.

According to the Daily Post, despite being named FIFA's player of the century, the three-time World Cup winner never won the coveted Ballon d'Or prize.

Casemiro's stats: How has the Brazilian midfielder transformed Manchester United since joining the team?

Football

Why did Pele never win the Ballon d'Or?

Nicknamed O Rei (The King), the Brazilian football tin god was never eligible for the coveted award because he did not play in Europe and he was not from the continent.

Pele spent two-thirds of his illustrious career in his native Brazil with Santos and had a brief stint with New York Cosmos in his twilight.

By virtue of the fact that he played outside Europe, he did not have a Ballon d'Or to show despite being the best player of his era,

Unfortunately, he hanged his boots long before the rules for awarding the Ballon d'Or were changed.

But at the ceremony for the 2013 Ballon d'Or awards, Pele's achievements were commemorated through an honorary Ballon d'Or that he received on stage, per SportBIBLE.

As the volume of applause increased, Pele was moved to tears and had to wipe his eyes before footage of his career was played on the screen.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Why Pele never played in Europe

Brazil football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, sadly passed away at age 82 following a long battle with colon cancer.

Nicknamed O Rei (The King), Pele enjoyed a sterling football career which spanned over two decades, with many considering him to be the greatest footballer of all time.

The Brazilian President of the time, Jânio Quadros passed a bill that prevented Pele from being sold to any foreign club, describing him as a 'non-exportable national treasure'.

Pep salutes Pele

Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave a lengthy tribute to the late Brazilian football icon Pele, saying his legacy could not be replaced.

Pele passed away on Thursday after a long battle with cancer, and thousands of tributes from senior figures in the football world have since poured in.

Maradona vs. Pele: Who is the greatest footballer of all-time?

Football

Guardiola chose to remember Pele through his iconic Number 10 shirt, which the Spaniard says would not have as much impact in the modern game without the three-time World Cup winner.