Invantino: Pele is the only player to win the World Cup. He achieved immortality a long time ago.

On December 30th, when Pele, the king of ball, passed away, the chairman of FIFA sent a message of condolences.
Invantino: for everyone who loves this beautiful sport, this is a day that we never thought would come, the day we lost Pele. The king of the ball is unique in many ways. He is the only player who has won the World Cup three times and his skill and imagination are unparalleled. Pele did things that other players could not have dreamed of, such as the famous fake move in the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup, which is famous for Pele’s extraordinary performance. And in the 1958 World Cup final, the 17-year-old volleyed the ball past the defender and volleyed into the net. The scene in which he celebrates with his fist in the air is one of the most iconic scenes in our sport and is engraved in our history.
In fact, because the television broadcast of football was still in its infancy at that time, we only saw a small part of his ability. Most importantly, the king of the ball ascended to the throne with a smile. In those days, football could be cruel and Pele was often treated rudely. However, although he knows how to stand up for himself, he is always a model athlete and sincerely respects his opponent.
I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions. In 2016, when I was already president of FIFA, I attended Pele’s film premiere, which reminded me of sitting next to my father in 1981, who took me to see “Escape to Victory” starring Sylvester Stallone and other famous actors. When I was 11 years old, my father told me what a great player Pele was. The dreamy goal he scored in that movie was the only way to get a glimpse of his amazing skills. The time spent with him will remain in my memory and heart forever.
Bailey has a magnetic presence, and when you are with him, the rest of the world stops. His life is not just about football. He changed the way Brazil, South America and the world think about Brazil. His legacy cannot be summed up in words. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends, the Brazilian Football Association, Brazil and all the fans who love him deeply.
Today, we all mourn the loss of our dear Bailey, but he achieved eternal life a long time ago, so he will always be with us.
Gianni Invantino, president of FIFA