‘I Count Myself So Fortunate’ – Roger Federer Posts an Emotional Tribute as Soccer Legend Pele Passes Away

Roger Federer, the former Swiss tennis ace, recently paid his respects to the legendary Brazilian footballer Pele on Instagram. After a protracted fight with cancer, football’s emperor Pele passed away, leaving the sporting world in a state of great sadness. The ‘Swiss Maestro’ paid respect to the legendary Brazilian footballer and expressed his gratitude in the midst of this.

The tennis player cited Pele as one of the earliest global sports superstars on Instagram and expressed the honor of having met him. One of history’s greatest athletes, Pele is the only player to have captured three World Cups. He still shares the Brazilian record with Neymar for the most goals scored in a calendar year (77). At Santos, he amassed an astonishing 643 goals in 659 appearances.

Roger Federer posts an emotional message for the late footballer Pele

The Brazilian had recently experienced prostate and kidney problems. Following his demise, the tennis world sent its sincere condolences to the renowned Brazilian player. The 20-time Grand Slam champion uploaded pictures of their interaction on his Instagram account. He praised the three-time World Cup victor for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes, as he captioned his post, “Thank you for inspiring millions of sports fans and athletes. I count myself so fortunate to have met you and gotten a chance to learn and look up to you. You were one of the first true global sporting icons.”

Federer, who announced his retirement in the fall, posted a memorable moment he shared with Pelé a decade ago on Instagram. He had visited Brazil as part of the Gillette Federer Tour in 2012.

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Federer further wrote in his caption, “Rest in peace King Pele.”

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When they met, the two sports legends gave each other hugs. There were also gifts offered and received. Pelé presented Federer with a really special jersey. In 1958, he wore it against Sweden to win his first of three world titles. Pele had received a shirt that Federer autographed.

Federer’s friend cum rival also poured his respects for the late Brazilian

Politicians, players, clubs, and commentators attended the memorial service for the late Brazilian football great Pele. Federer’s close friend and adversary, Rafael Nadal, thanked the Brazilian for his legacy and how it continues to inspire generations. The 22-time Grand Slam champion highlighted that Pele’s legacy will live on as long as soccer is played.

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Nadal tweeted, “I didn’t see him play, I wasn’t that lucky.” He added that he was always taught and told that Pele was the king of soccer.

Pele’s unique techniques and quick reflexes transformed football and improved its reputation around the globe. In 2000, he shared the FIFA Player of the Century honor with Argentina’s Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020. Let us know what you think about the Brazilian GOAT in the comments below.