The death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, caused great sadness not only in the football world. The former President of the United States, Barack Obama (61), also paid tribute to the Brazilian football legend in an emotional Instagram post.

Captioning a picture of him with the soccer star, Obama wrote: "Pele was one of the best to play this beautiful game and one of the most recognized athletes in the world. He also understood the power of sport to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved and admired him."

Barack Obama and Pelé knew each other personally. In May 2019, the US politician undertook a trip to Brazil. During a stop in Sao Paulo he met the football icon. Pelé then reported about it on social networks. "I met with Barack Obama. We talked about how we can work together to make the world a better place. I'm glad to be on the same team with him," Pele said at the time.

The three-time world champion also helped popularize football in the United States during his playing career. Pelé played for the New York Cosmos club from 1975 to 1977.

After the death of the Brazilian soccer star - Pelé died on December 29 at the age of 82 as a result of cancer - numerous greats of the soccer world such as Franz Beckenbauer (77) and Cristiano Ronaldo (37) also said goodbye to UNESCO. "We are deeply saddened by the death of Pele. We offer our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family," the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization tweeted. "Pelé has been a UNESCO Champion of Sport since 1994 and has worked tirelessly to promote sport as an instrument of peace. He will be greatly missed."