As 2022 was drawing to a close and when the world was getting ready to celebrate the new year, news of sports legend Pele passing away spread through the Internet. He was 82 years old. It was a very sad day for the sports world. He was one of the first black global superstars to champion the world of soccer. Over the next few days, many celebrities, politicians, sporting legends, and fans mourned Pele’s death. Recently, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar penned an emotional message for Pele and talked about his global impact in the sport of soccer. Abdul-Jabbar also recounted the time he had spent with Pele in the message.

Meanwhile, Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone and model Gisele Bundchen also paid their respects to the soccer legend. The two were also fortunate enough to interact with Pele in the past.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Pele’s impact on the world of soccer

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took to his substack to pen his eulogy for Pele. He noted that he has spent time with the three-time World Cup champion on several occasions. The Los Angeles Lakers legend added the occasions were made memorable because of Pele’s energetic personality. He then talked about the time he worked with Pele for an Atari commercial in 1981.

Abdul-Jabbar noted, “When Pelé kicked soccer to a whole new level, athletes of every sport, myself included, were inspired to also reach for a higher level of performance. I don’t know if we achieved it, but we all loved trying. And the fans loved watching. Pelé, when you rose up off the ground, all humankind rose with you.”

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The six-time NBA champion also stated that he has met very few people with Pele’s openness and sincerity. Abdul-Jabbar summed up his emotional message by saying that the world has other reasons to celebrate Pele, outside of his prowess on the field.

Sylvester Stallone and Gisele Bundchen paid their respects

Sylvester Stallone and Gisele Bundchen mourned the death of Pele via Instagram. Stallone shared a picture of himself with the soccer legend with the caption, “PELE THE GREAT! Rest in peace! This was a good man.”

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Similarly, Gisele shared a picture of her and Pele in her Instagram story with the message, “RIP Pele”.

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As the world still mourns the death of Pele, it is clear that he has impacted the lives of many around the world. With his performances on the field and his efforts off of it, the soccer legend has inspired generations. Even when he was very ill at the time, he continued to inspire the players during the recently concluded Qatar World Cup.