Neymar pens emotional tribute to Pele after Brazil icon dies aged 82

Neymar has claimed 10 was "just a number" before Pele as he paid tribute to his late compatriot.

The legendary figure has died at the age of 82 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. Pele transcended the game of football, but nowhere felt it more than his native Brazil. Pele's role in their three World Cup triumphs - in 1958, 1962 and 1970 - helped him establish himself as arguably the greatest player in history.

Pele has remained the standard that all young Brazilians aim to match. The likes of Ronaldo, Romario and Ronaldinho have all idolised the icon and Neymar is the latest to follow in his footsteps - wearing the No 10 at the recent World Cup.

The PSG star hailed the impact he had on football and underlined the fact his legacy will live on. He wrote on social media: "Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I've read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete.

"I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!"

Neymar currently sits top of Brazil's record scorers list - a standing his shares with Pele. Both men have scored 77 times for their country, albeit Pele did so in far fewer games. The legend is also the youngest ever player to score for the South American nation.

Pele paid tribute to Neymar when he matched his goalscoring record - which many expect him to go on and beat. He said: "I saw you grow, I cheered for you every day and I can finally congratulate you for reaching my number of goals with Brazil. We both know that this is more than a figure. Our biggest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our teammates of today, the next generations and, above all, everyone who loves our sport."

Tributes have poured in for the icon, who was treated at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. His daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed the news of his passing on Instagram, writing: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

A post was also put out on Pele's Instagram page that read: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love. His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love and love, forever."