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Messi, Mbappe, Ronaldo mourn Pele's passing

With Brazil legend Pele sadly passing away on Thursday, football's biggest stars have since paid homage to the South American considered to be one of the greatest ever to play the sport. 

The only player in history to win three FIFA World Cups passed away surrounded by family at a hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with colon cancer.

Pele, who is Brazil's joint all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches, is considered by many to be one of the best players to grace a football pitch. 

Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from all around the world to cement his legacy as an icon of the game, with some of football's biggest stars also taking time to do so.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese forward took to Instagram to upload a picture of himself and the late Brazilian along with a message of condolence. 

"My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento," the 37-year-old wrote.

"A mere 'goodbye' to the eternal King Pele 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 Pele."

Erling Haaland

The Manchester City striker, currently regarded as one of the best forwards in the world, wrote about how he believes Pele was the first to do everything in modern football.

Lionel Messi

The Paris Saint-Germain star kept his tribute short, posting a picture of himself and Pele, along with the caption: "Rest in Peace".

Neymar

Neymar paid an emotional tribute to his compatriot on Instagram, insisting the former Brazil forward changed football forever.

"Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I've read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete," he wrote.

"I would say before Pele, football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil.

"Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King!

"He's gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!" 

Kylian Mbappe

The French striker stated in his message that Pele's legacy will be eternal.

Read: 'Wantaway' Mbappe to join Barca?

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WATCH: BRAZIL MOURNS PELE'S DEATH

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