Image source, Reuters

Football fans and figures from around the world united tonight as a flood of tributes poured in for Pele.

If you missed it, here's a recap of some of the touching messages:

• In a statement, Pele's family said "inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele"
• Cristiano Ronaldo shared his condolences to all of Brazil and Pele's family, saying he was an inspiration for millions
• Harry Kane said he was a "true inspiration"

• English football legend Sir Geoff Hurst said Pele "remains the greatest" player of all time, and he was "proud to be on the pitch with him"

• Uefa joined fans across the world mourning the football legend. The governing body said Pele was the "first global superstar"

• The Brazilian Football Federation described Pele as "eternal"

• France striker Kylian Mpabbe said Pele's legacy will never be forgotten
• The Premier League praised Pele's remarkable career, calling him an "extraordinarily gifted footballer"
• The Football Association of Wales said Pele broke their hearts when he brought down the team's hopes of a World Cup victory in 1958, and "today our hearts are broken again"
• Brazil's Neymar said Pele transformed football into art and entertainment

Read Pele's obituary here and more of our coverage following the death of the Brazilian legend on the BBC Sport website.

BBC Sport's Joe Wilson reports on the life and career of Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

The Brazilian government has declared a three-day mourning period to pay tribute to its national idol Pele.

Whenever there is debate about who is the greatest player of all time, one name is a given on the list - Pele.

BBC Sport has selected seven of Pele's finest moments to showcase what made the Brazilian so special.

See what they are here.

Nasa has joined tributes to Pele by sharing an image of a spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor, which shows the colours of the Brazilian flag.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has added his voice to tributes coming in for Pele from around the world.

"For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele.

Known by many as "o Rei", the King, Pele died on Thursday aged 82.

In a statement, external, Infantino recalled the football star's achievements throughout his career.

He says: "Most importantly, “The King” rose the throne with a smile on his face. Football could be brutal in those days, and Pele was often on the receiving end of some rough treatment.

"But, while he knew how to stand up for himself, he was always an exemplary sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents."

Infantino adds: "His legacy is impossible to summarise in words."

Brazilian journalist Fernando Duarte described his encounters with Pele as "like meeting an avenger".

"I was never disappointed when I met him," he told BBC News, hailing his compatriot as "one of the most interesting human beings of the 20th Century".

"His impact was much bigger than what he did on a football pitch."

Recalling Pele's immense celebrity, the journalist said: "You would see chiefs of state... royal family members... stop everything just to try to speak to Pele.

"Brazil might never [again] produce a footballer like him, nor the world."

Paul Hicks: One of the best lines from one of my all time favourite films “I do this, this, this, this, this, this, this, goal! #escapetovictory

Former US President Barack Obama says that Pele, as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, understood the power of sports in uniting people.

Image source, Reuters

A street artist lays down a Brazilian flag in front of Maracana Stadium as people mourn the passing of Brazilian football legend Pele in Rio de Janeiro.

Some of the front pages for tomorrow's newspapers are starting to drop and Pele is on the front of French publication L'Equipe.

The newspaper's headline says: "Pele. He was a King"

Image source, L'Equipe

Jonathan: RIP Pele. Very few people have transcended their sport and become absolute icons like he did. Pele, Ali, Bolt, Federer...all absolute showmen at their very best, but for me, he was the greatest of them all.

Image source, Getty Images

Incoming Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has joined thousands worldwide in paying tribute to King Pele.

Writing on Twitter, Lula says he had the privilege of seeing Pele play, which many younger Brazilians were unable to witness.

"Few Brazilians took our country's name as far as he did."

Image source, Getty Images

"Pele left us today," Lula adds. "He now has the company of so many eternal stars: Didi, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Socrates, Maradona..."

"He left one certainty: there has never been a number 10 shirt like his. Thank you, Pele."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

The Hornets House: People will be quick to have their say on who the best ever is, with Pele undoubtedly in the conversation. Yet today, I feel we shouldn't compare - instead, we should celebrate the moments that he has given us. RIP to an icon whose legacy will stand the test of time.

And world football's governing body, Fifa, has also paid tribute:

Uefa, European football's governing body, has paid tribute to Pele and his "pioneering role" in global football.

"Tonight, we join fans the world over in mourning Pele, one of football's all-time greatest players.

"He was the first global superstar of the game and played a pioneering role in football's rise to become the world's most popular sport.

"Rest in peace, Pele."