Soccer's 'King' Pele mourned around the globe

Marcio Pereira da Silva, known as Pele, a street artist, lays down a Brazilian flag in front of Maracana Stadium as people mourn the death of Brazilian soccer legend Pele, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, December 29, 2022. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

(Reuters) -Football fans were united in mourning on Thursday after the death of Pele at the age of 82, with tributes pouring in for the Brazil great who defined his sport and inspired generations.

Brazil's government declared three days of mourning and the arch at soccer's cathedral, Wembley Stadium, was lit in the colours of Brazil, while icons of sport and heads of state bowed to the man who rose up from childhood poverty to become a legend.