From Will Smith to Ajay Devgn: Celebrity tributes pour in for the great Pele

The iconic Brazilian football player, Edson Arantes do Nascimento also known as 'Pelé' passed away at the age of 82 on December 29, after fighting a long battle with colon cancer. Soon after his demise, many notable celebrities and public figures from around the world came together to mourn the sporting legend's death.

From the likes of Will Smith to Ajay Devgn, everyone had heartwarming thoughts to share about their favourite player.

1. Barack Obama

Former premier Obama took to Instagram to share a memorable throwback photo with Pele. In the picture, the two are standing beside each other holding up a yellow soccer jersey signed by the legend himself. He also penned down a heartfelt caption to relay his sentiments about Pele's death.

"Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him," read his caption.

2. Will Smith

Hollywood actor and comedian Will Smith also shared a memorable moment from his life to remember his favourite sportsman. Taking to Instagram, the Emancipation star posted a series of monochrome photographs of the pair seated together while Pele autographed him a shirt. In the caption, Smith reminded his followers of Pele's remarkable achievements. "The greatest to ever do it. Descanse em paz, Rei Pelé," penned the actor, which translates to rest in peace.

3. Abhishek Bachchan

Bachchan was one of the first Indian celebrities to send his condolences to Pele's family. He also took to social media to reminisce about how the late sportsman was responsible for making him a true football fan.

"As a child, my father introduced me to Pelé and his magic. And thus began a lifelong love for football. We had shelves filled with VHS tapes of his and the Brazilian team's matches. I would religiously watch them with my father. A magician we've all been blessed to witness" expressed the Dasvi actor.

4. Ajay Devgn

Bollywood actor Devgn also expressed his grief on Pele's passing. He said, "I also join the rest of the world in grieving for the Football Legend Pele. He was synonymous with the sport that the world continues to be enamoured with. May the Legend's soul find eternal peace. Wherever football is played, your mention will always come."

5. Reham Khan

After hearing about Pele's death, Khan took to Twitter and shared a picture of the time she met up with the FIFA World Cup winner. "Dear memories of when the kind soul Pele was with my brother ⁦Kashif," wrote Khan, reflecting on the old times.

Amongst many Pakistani actors, Shahroz Sabzwari, Ahmed Ali Butt, Mehwish Hayat, and Ali Ansari also uploaded Instagram Stories to pay their tribute to the lauded footballer.