Pele is "immortal," says FIFA

FIFA said Pele was simply "immortal" after the Brazilian legend died on Thursday at the age of 82. Pele was named by FIFA as the greatest player of the twentieth century.

"This is the day that no one who loves the beautiful game wanted to come. "We lost Pele on that day," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

"Today, we all mourn the loss of our dear Pele's physical presence, but he attained immortality a long time ago, and thus he will be with us for eternity."

Pele is the only player in history to have won three FIFA World Cups.

He was only 17 years old when he won with Brazil in Sweden in 1958. Pele won the World Cup again in 1962, despite missing much of the tournament due to injury.

In 1970, he won the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third and final time in Mexico.

"Pele: immortal — always with us," FIFA declared on its website.

Infantino praised Pele and expressed his condolences to his family, Brazil, and all football fans.

"His talent and imagination were unrivaled. "Pele did things that no other player could have imagined," Infantino said.

"Most importantly, 'The King' arose from his throne with a smile on his face. Football could be brutal back then, and Pele was frequently subjected to rough treatment.

"However, while he knew how to defend himself, he was always a modest sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents."

"Pele had a magnetic presence, and when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped," Infantino added. More than football is important in his life. He improved perceptions in Brazil, South America, and around the world."

He was the youngest-ever world champion, as well as the youngest scorer, hat-trick scorer, finalist, and player to score in a World Cup final in World Cup history, according to FIFA.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who led the world's governing body from 1998 to 2015, referred to Pele as the greatest player of all time.

“The world mourns the greatest footballer in history and a wonderful personality. He celebrated the game like no other,” Blatter said on Twitter.

“Dear Pele, I am immensely sad and honour you and your life’s work. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.”

Meanwhile European football’s governing body UEFA praised Pele for his part in football’s popularity.

“He was the first global superstar of the game. Rest in peace, Pele.”