The soccer world is mourning the demise of its greatest, Pele. Fans are rushing tributes to the legend along with soccer stars. However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) paid tribute to the legend uniquely. 

The news of the sad demise of Pele, who was fighting chronic illness in Sao Paulo hospital, left the soccer world in shock. They admitted Pele to the hospital last month for a respiratory infection. Hospital administration also reported some complications in chemotherapy for colon cancer. 

Last week, doctors gave an update on the health of the Brazilian legend stating his cancer is progressing. It was a sad update for the fans who prayed for the well-being of the legend. However, on 29th December, the fight against the chronic illness ended, leaving fans emotional. 

NASA comes up with a unique tribute to the Athlete of the 20th century

It was not only the soccer world that mourned the death of the Brazilian magician. And NASA wasn’t an exception. The space organization posted a unique picture with the caption, “We mark the passing of the legendary Pele, known to many as the king of the ‘beautiful game.’ This image of a spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor shows the colors of Brazil.”

As seen from the pic on NASA’s social media handles, yellow and green stars are at the nucleus. The blue stars are dazzling in the outer spiral space of the galaxy. It was the formation of stars resembling the color of Brazil’s national flag that made NASA share the image to pay tribute to the Brazilian legend. 

Pele was one of the reasons for the popularity the soccer got in the US. He came out of retirement in 1975 to play for the NASL side New York Cosmos for three years. Cosmos kept attracting huge crowds to their matches thanks to O Rei. It was his contributions that made the fans, politicians, athletes, celebs, and government organizations from the US pay tribute to The King.

The President of the U.S. pens down a special tribute to Pele

Joe Biden, in his message, called soccer the sport that brings together the world while paying a heartfelt tribute. “Pele’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible,” Biden said. 

Read More: Why Did Soccer Greats Pele and Diego Maradona Never Win a Ballon d’Or in Their Entire Career?

Former President Barack Obama also paid tributes to the legend, recognizing him as one of the greatest ever to play the beautiful game. “As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together, ” Obama added.

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It will be a tough few days for his family and soccer fans to cope with Pele’s demise. Fans will remember O Rei forever for his artistry on the soccer field. Let us know your favorite Pele memories in the comments.