Pele: Vinicius Joins Stars to Pay Tribute to Departed Football King

• The football world is in mourning today after another true great of the game passed away
• World football governing body, FIFA paid a lengthy tribute to the Brazilian on its website
• Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue was also illuminated in the country's national colours

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has joined the bandwagon of football stars to pay tribute to the recently departed Pele.

The football icon sadly passed away on Thursday, December 29, after a long battle with colon cancer. Reports suggest the three-time World Cup winner suffered multiple organ failure as a result of his illness.

According to the Sun, he had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon, but stopped responding to treatment.

The crestfallen football world has not relented, with a series of heartwarming messages led by Neymar for the departed football king, per Joy News.

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Adding his voice to the trend of football stars pouring tributes, the 22-year-old took to Instagram to recount how Pele had supported him in tough moments.

“I have saved all the messages you sent me. When you supported me in a tough moment or when you celebrated my achievements. It was an honour to dedicate my first world cup goal to you. Your legacy will not be forgotten. I love you, king.”

CR7 pays touching tribute

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was among the first big sporting names to pay glowing tribute to Pele, Sports Brief reported.

The football legend, who had suffered from kidney and prostrate problems in recent years, succumbed to illness peacefully on December 29.

After undergoing surgery to remove a tumour in his colon in 2021, Pele was re-admitted to hospital in November 2022, according to a report by the BBC.

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How Pele got his nickname

Sports Brief earlier reported that three-time World Cup winner Pele passed away on Thursday night, surrounded by his family.

The legend had been hospitalised for complications developing from colon cancer and had reportedly seen his health decline in the days leading to his passing.

Pele, whose real name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, played throughout his career with the nickname he made popular - even though he admittedly did not like it at first.