Skills video shows Pele did everything before your modern favourites
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With Pele's passing on Thursday many are remembering just how incredible he was, and one video proves he was ahead of his time.
Pele, real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, passed away on Thursday, following a battle with colon cancer that had seen him hospitalised in recent months.
The former striker remains the only player to have won the World Cup three times, helping Brazil to win it back-to-back in 1958 and 1962, something that's not been done since, and winning the Golden Ball on the way to his third in 1970.
Along with his trio of world titles, the former Santos star had many number of achievements and accolades, including being named FIFA's Player of the Century.
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There's really only Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who can live with his amazing legacy across the decades.
Some have questioned the legitimacy of some of his records, particularly the number of goals he scored, due to many of his games being considered 'friendlies.'
That was due to him staying in Brazil and playing against touring teams but they were extremely competitive matches and should not be downplayed.
A video showing his skills pours cold water on any claims he was a 'fraud,' as is the modern accusation, showing how many of the kinds of tricks he did before the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, the Brazilian Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff and others.
Pele doing everything your favourite player does, first.
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) December 3, 2022
The King of Football 👏🤴🏿 pic.twitter.com/Or9EivIvHJ
Following his death, aged, 82-years-old, tributes came flooding in on social media from around the world, with players past and present remembering the great man.
"The legend who stood tallest among legends… always had time for everyone!" Rio Ferdinand said on social media.
"I had the pleasure of playing for him (charity match) and interviewing him - equally rewarding. The player, The man, The icon."
1966 World Cup winner Geoff Hurst said, "I have so many memories of Pele, without doubt the best footballer I ever played against (with Bobby Moore being the best footballer I ever played alongside).
"For me Pele remains the greatest of all time and I was proud to be on the the pitch with him. RIP Pele and thank you."
Echoing the sentiments of the skills video, Erling Haaland added, "Everything you see any player doing, Pele did it first. RIP."
Pat Nevin posted his tribute, tweeting, "What a wonderful beautiful human being Pele was, it was an incredible honour to spend an evening talking to him.
"To be so honestly modest while being among the greatest, if not the greatest player ever, was and always will be inspiring. The world will miss you Edson."
Current England captain Harry Kane added, "Pele was a true inspiration and one of the greatest to ever play the game. Rest in peace."
Wembley also lit up the famous arch in yellow and green lights on Thursday night, the colours of the Brazilian flag, to pay tribute to the great man.
