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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll parties with Jamie Foxx in Miami after squeezing into tiny bikini

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      THE World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll partied with Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx in Miami after squeezing into a tiny dress.The model wowed supporters in Qatar last month with her bold outfit choices which went against Qatar’s conservative dress codes.
      Fans were given a treat as the model showed off her frame in a small black bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAM
      It was a New Year’s party to remember for Ivana Knoll as she partied with film star Jamie FoxxCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Foxx smiles for the camera as he enjoys a lively bash in MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      And she’s started off the New Year in equally eye-catching fashion as she attended a big party in Miami.
      Former Miss Croatia winner Knoll kept fans up to date with her night with a series of Instagram posts.
      Before that, she gave followers a treat as she showed off her figure in a black bikini.
      The star later videoed herself in into a small and tight blue outfit as she prepared for a New Year’s bash.
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      The busty influencer would have left jaws on the ground with the sizzling snap where she wore black heels and showed off a lot of leg.
      Knoll then arrived at her party and snapped herself with “friend” Jamie Foxx.
      Ivana Knoll has 3.6m followers on Instagram
      The Croatian beauty has never been shy about showing off her many outfits
      The actor and singer, who has starred in films such as Django Unchained and Spider Man, can be seen sitting next to the beauty at a lively party.
      He smiles and playfully wags his finger while music plays in the background.
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      Later she dances in front of the camera before again giving viewers a glimpse of Foxx.
      Knoll remains stood next to him when he grabs the mic and starts singing along to the music, and later when he wishes partygoers a happy 2023.
      The Croatian stunner has 3.6m Instagram followers and regularly posts snaps of herself enjoying life.
      She regularly went viral at the World Cup with spectacular and revealing pictures which set pulses racing. More

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      Lionel Messi and stunning wife Antonela end historic 2022 at World Cup winner’s Rosario mansion with water slide

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      LIONEL MESSI ended his World Cup-winning year alongside his stunning wife Antonela and their three kids at their Rosario mansion. The legendary footballer, 35, captained Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in December.
      Messi and his family posed for a picture to celebrate a historic 2022Credit: Instagram @leomessi
      Messi’s Rosario mansion has a waterslideCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      Messi’s wife and kids cheered him on as he won his first and possibly his only World CupCredit: Instagram @leomessi
      Messi scored seven goals and assisted three in Qatar, including a brace in the dramatic final win over France.
      Argentina’s 26 heroes, and staff, then returned home and were met by millions of fans.
      But before returning to Europe to rejoin his club, Paris Saint-Germain, Messi saw out 2022 in his hometown of Rosario in his mansion – that comes complete with a waterslide – alongside stunning wife Antonela and three kids Mateo, Thiago and Ciro.
      They also enjoyed family parties while back in town.
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      The Messi family posed for a photo in their stunning house, celebrating the historic year.
      Messi will hope for more goals, assists and trophies in 2023.
      He is just 26 goals behind long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played 142 more games.
      Ronaldo’s Champions League goal-scoring records are also up for grabs.
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      Messi is trailing the Al-Nassr new boy by 11 goals.
      And a Champions League win in May alongside Kylian Mbappe and Co would see Messi lift his fifth European title.
      A Ligue 1 title win before that would see Messi draw level with former Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves as the most decorated footballer in history.
      Messi is also one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or, which would be his eighth golden ball.
      Messi scored a brace in the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Messi and Antonela are childhood sweetheartsCredit: Getty
      The Messi clan after the finalCredit: Getty More

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      I starred at the World Cup and almost beat France – now I’m homeless in London but I’ll never stop fighting

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      FORMER Canada international Paul James who featured at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico is now homeless in London.The Cardiff-born 59-year-old – who went to the same school as Garath Bale – played 47 times for his country.
      James in action against the USSR
      Paul is now sleeping rough on the streets of LondonCredit: Getty
      And he played against some of football’s best, including France great Michel Platini.
      Canada lost all three of their World Cup 86 group games to France, the USSR and Hungary.
      But they put in a good account of themselves, especially against France, narrowly losing 1-0.
      Speaking to the Daily Mail, James said: “What we achieved at that World Cup was phenomenal, when I think of how good we weren’t.
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      “We performed miracles to keep the score lines so predictable.”
      But despite turning out at the Olympics and a World Cup, James is now homeless in London having been unemployed for the last 13 years and without a permanent home for six.
      Pre-pandemic, James had been living in Canada, but returned to the UK angry at his treatment in the country he represented.
      James felt he faced discrimination for his history of using crack cocaine.
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      He says this was evident when he lost his job as head football coach at York University in Toronto in 2009.
      James feels York had a duty of care to offer him support – which he didn’t get – and he says he was forced to resign.
      He said: “I don’t think you should call anyone a drug addict, a crack addict, a junkie.
      “The words conjure up irrationality and a series of labels which view those exposed as: criminal, scary, irrational, unreliable, to be avoided, diseased, loser, dirty, lazy, scum, non-employable. Can you see how disgusting that language is?
      “How do you ever recover from being labelled a homeless crack addict? You don’t.”
      Before finding shelter at a hostel near Holborn in Central London, James had been living on scraps of cardboard at Charing Cross or Westminster Cathedral.
      James carries around most of his belongings in a black sports bag, and has picked up bits of work, like sweeping the roads on Oxford Street.
      But a knee injury made it impossible to continue in that line of work.
      Despite this, James is determined not to give up and wants to regain his independence.
      On why he wants to support himself, James declared: “To be independent.
      “To regain a semblance of normality. To be able to wear my own clothes and shoes and not second-hand ones. To not have to fundraise to purchase my own items.
      “To regain independence from the metaphorical prison condemned as an innocent for thirteen lost years, not by the UK to whom I feel indebted, but Canada as a nation.
      “To find and rekindle the passion, enthusiasm, and positivity I once had.
      “And, on top of everything, to find an avenue to connect with people.”
      James has reached out to former team-mates and colleagues since moving back to the UK.
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      And one night sleeping in Victoria, his former team-mate Paul Peschisolido, husband of West Ham vice-chair and SunSport columnist Karren Brady, took him a blanket and some food.
      Peschisolido recently brought James some new trainers and a coat for his birthday. More

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      World Cup wind-up king Emi Martinez gets £20k guard dog used by US Navy Seals to protect Argentina winners medal

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      WORLD CUP winner and wind-up king Emi Martinez is fiercely protecting his gold medal.That’s by splashing out £20,000 on a guard dog used by the US Navy Seals.
      Emi Martinez has spent £20,000 on a guard dog to protect his World Cup medalCredit: PA
      The fearsome Belgian Malinois has been used by the US Navy Seals and SASCredit: Getty
      The dog will also be able to protect wife Amanda, son Santi and daughter AvaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZq6aDuIkO/?hl=en
      The Aston Villa star played a key role in Argentina’s stunning penalty shootout win over France last month.
      Martinez, 30, made headlines across the world for his crazy antics on the field.
      And he has returned to England as a world champion after making the bench for Villa’s trip to Tottenham today.
      But Martinez is making sure his winners medal is guarded at all costs by purchasing a fearsome canine protector for his Midlands house.
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      The Daily Star claims Martinez, who also won the Golden Glove award, has forked out £20k for a specially-trained Belgian Malinois.
      The pooch can weigh up to 30kg and has been used by US Navy Seals and the SAS in combat.
      Martinez purchased his loyal hound from Elite Protection Dogs, who know a thing or two about dealing with famous clients.
      Their 35 years’ experience has seen the likes of Spurs goalie Hugo Lloris, ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star Ashley Cole, and even heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury buy dogs from them.
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      Martinez’s Malinois will not only keep a close eye on his gold medal, but will also act as protector for wife Amanda, son Santi and daughter Ava when the Villa ace is away.
      A spokesperson from Elite Protection Dogs said: “Belgian Malinois are working dogs chosen by military and police as No1 around the world. American Navy Seals used Malinois in the operation to capture Bin Laden.
      “The breed is super athletic and agile with extreme prey drive that makes them excellent candidates for any tasks in work. There are dogs and there are Malinois.”
      The dog will protect Martinez’s house and family when the goalie is awayCredit: AFP
      Martinez is married to wife AmandaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ9ORSSKQgY/?hl=en More

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      I filmed myself getting huge Messi tattoo across my forehead after World Cup win – two weeks later I hate it

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      A LIONEL Messi fan says he regrets tattooing the footballer’s name on his forehead following Argentina’s victory in the World Cup.Colombian influencer, Maicol Quinonez, shared the shocking moment he got ‘Messi’ tattooed in huge letters across his head in a social media post.
      Colombian Maicol Quinonez says he regrets getting the tattoo
      He got the footballers name, three stars and D10s on his face
      Now only two weeks later, the influencer more widely known as Mike Jambs says he hates the tattoo.
      The bizarre inking was a tribute to World Cup champion Lionel Messi and Quinonez captioned his post “Fulfilling the challenge. I love you @leomessi’.
      The digital creator also had three stars tattooed on one of his cheeks representing Argentina’s World Cup wins and D10s on the other – a play on the Spanish word for ‘God’ and the footballers famous shirt number.
      Quinonez has racked up over 143,000 followers on Instagram, many of whom mocked the influencer for his latest ink.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Viewers commented their thoughts on the influencers tribute tatts, one wrote: “People for likes do very stupid things, I don’t know why I follow you”.
      Another commented: “People are so backwards”.
      A third said: “Hopefully one day you won’t have to regret it and it’ll actually be worth it, I doubt it”.
      Initially, he defended his decision to get the tattoo, telling his followers: “I’m not harming anyone, I’m not doing anything illegal.”
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      But now he has admitted in a recent social media video that he wishes he could turn back the clock, saying: “I regret having done the tattoo because instead of bringing me positive things, it’s led to lots of negative things, both personally and for my family.”
      “I didn’t think I would say this so soon. I was very proud [of it] the first few days, but I regret it.”
      “They just say that I am not a positive example for society.”
      “Be careful with your words. You don’t know the damage you can do to someone because of social media. You don’t know how you can destroy your life,” he added.
      Tattooists in Argentina were flooded with requests for Messi tributes following the triumphant World Cup win.
      Many fans were also left in hysterics after one fan got a tattoo of the Paris Saint-Germain striker on his back that was labelled the ‘worst ever’ by some viewers.
      Most read in The Sun
      The ink showed Messi holding up the World Cup trophy but his giant head seemed unnaturally large for his body.
      One critic joked: “When the tattoo artist is a Brazil supporter”.
      A second said: “Looks like Messi in 2026 being 39 and overweight”. More

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      Salt Bae slammed for ‘lifting World Cup without playing a match’ after sharing another unrecognisable throwback photo

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      FAME hungry Salt Bae has been slammed for “lifting the World Cup without playing a match” after sharing another throwback photo. The celebrity chef has been under fire ever since he was accused of hijacking Argentina’s celebrations at the World Cup.
      Salt Bae touched the £17m 18-carat World Cup trophy breaking FIFA etiquetteCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae shared a throwback photo from his childhoodCredit: Instagram
      He shared a throwback photo from his childhood days looking unrecognisable without his trademark sunglasses and slicked-back ponytail.
      The Turkish social media star – real name Nusret Gökçe – uploaded the snap to his Instagram.
      The chef was pictured looking fresh-faced as a young boy without his signature props to hide behind.
      Gökçe simply captioned the photo: “No salt no life.”
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      But Salt Bae’s World Cup antics have sparked relentless trolling from his followers – even on unrelated social media posts.
      He faced a storm of criticism after badgering Lionel Messi and grabbing the trophy from Argentina players after the final.
      One commented on the throwback picture: “Grew up to lift the World Cup without playing a match, legend.”
      Another said: “No salt, better life, and do not get back to the World Cups.”
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      A third wrote: “The face you make when you need to ask Messi three times for a picture and he finally gives in to get you away from him.”
      A fourth commented: “Next time don’t touch the World Cup and you won’t be banned.”
      It comes after he was accused of chatting on his AirPods while serving customers a steak that cost them £500.
      Gökçe was seen with his AirPods in as he carves up a steak tableside with his trademark swagger.
      But an angry customer took to TikTok to complain – rating the internet star’s restaurant a dismal 1.7 out of 10.
      Ehtisham Aziz shared the video – saying he paid £500 to have the musclebound butcher carve up his steak at his restaurant Nusr-Et in Doha, Qatar.
      But he was left unimpressed when Salt Bae appeared disinterested as he seemed to be chatting to someone via his AirPods.
      During the final in Qatar, footage showed the chef pestering the Argentina squad as they celebrated their World Cup glory with their families after the tense shootout.
      In a series of videos posted on his own Instagram, he interrupted the likes of Angel di Maria, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as they posed with the World Cup trophy, leaving the trio looking awkward.
      He was seen grabbing hold of Lionel Messi by the shoulder at least twice as the baffled megastar tried to shrug him off.
      His persistence paid off as he finally got a selfie with the striker, hailed the greatest of all time.
      The chef was also seen forcing himself into lineups with other stars as they clutched the famous golden trophy.
      He has now been barred from attending The US Open Cup, the equivalent of England’s FA Cup.
      Action will be taken against staff who allowed him access after social media footage showed his cringeworthy exchanges with players, who did their best to avoid Salt Bae.
      Fifa is conducting an internal investigation to see how the chef got onto the pitch.
      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino even unfollowed Salt Bae in the wake of his shameful antics.
      The Turkish cook has courted a years-long friendship with Fifa president Infantino.
      They have been pictured together several times, and the football chief has been gushing in his praise for the flamboyant Instagram star.

      However the bromance seems to be over after he unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram. More

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      Brazil pays tribute to hero Pele as Christ the Redeemer illuminated in green & 3 days mourning announced by president

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      BRAZIL’S Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated in green and yellow last night as the nation mourns the death of Pele.Three days of mourning have been announced by President Jair Bolsonaro after the football legend’s death yesterday.
      The Christ the Redeemer statue has been lit up in the colours of the Brazilian national flag in Pele’s honourCredit: AP
      A man was seen breaking down in tears in front of the Albert Einstein Hospital where Pele diedCredit: EPA
      Brazilian soccer fan Marcio Da Silva pays tribute to Pele in front of the Maracana stadiumCredit: EPA
      A fan of soccer star Pele was seen breaking down in tears after learning about his deathCredit: AP
      Grieving fans were seen reacting to news that the greatest player in history had died.
      He passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of colon cancer, it emerged last night.
      He had been receiving treatment for a tumour in his colon but stopped responding to care.

      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      READ MORE ON PELE
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82
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      Pele leaves his third wife Marcia Aoki and six children.
      As Brazil grieves, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was lit up with the colours of the Brazilian flag in tribute to Pelé.
      Devastated fans have been seen breaking down in public as they process the death.
      A man was seen breaking down in tears outside Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo where Pele passed away.
      Fan Marcio Da Silva paid tribute to his hero by laying a Brazilian flag in front of the Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro.
      Back in the UK, Wembley Stadium’s arch has been lit up in the colours of Brazil.
      Brazilian media say that Pele’s wake will be held on Monday at Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, after Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is inaugurated as Brazil’s 39th president on Sunday.
      Pele will then be laid to rest at 10am on Tues after a procession.
      The planning of his funeral is being compared to that of the Queen’s ‘Operation London Bridge’.
      Meanwhile, Pele’s daughter has shared the poignant final photo taken of the star player after he died.
      She wrote: “Everything we are is thanks to you we love you infinitely. Rest in peace.”
      Pele’s fans were seen hanging a banner reading ‘Eternal King Pele’ outside his hospitalCredit: AFP
      Fans of Brazilian football legend Pele embrace outside the hospitalCredit: AFP
      In the UK, Wembley Stadium’s arch has been lit up in the colours of Brazil with Pele’s name in bright lightsCredit: PA
      The screen announced the death of Pele before the Sky Bet Championship match at The Hawthorns, West BromwichCredit: PA
      Mourners all around the world are sharing their favourite memories of the football legend.
      Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970, the only player in football history to achieve the feat.
      World leaders, sporting greats and celebrities have flocked to social media to join fans who are sharing their condolences.
      President Biden took to Twitter to say: “For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible.  
      “Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.”
      Former president Bill Clinton shared: “Pelé was not only a football legend but also a humanitarian and global icon.
      “He used his platform to empower disenfranchised children and inspire generations around the world. We give thanks for his life and legacy.”
      Gary Lineker said: “Pele has died. The most divine of footballers and joyous of men. He played a game only a few chosen ones have come close to.
      “3 times he lifted the most coveted gold trophy in that beautiful yellow shirt. He may have left us but he’ll always have footballing immortality. RIP Pele.”
      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst tweeted: “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.”
      World Cup finalist, and winner in 2018, Kylian Mbappe said: “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King.”
      Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt tweeted: “A sporting legend. Rest in Peace King Pele.”
      Brazil’s current golden boy Neymar wrote: “Before Pele, 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 Pele football was just a sport. Pele 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. Pele is FOREVER!!”
      Cristiano Ronaldo put on social media: “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
      “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing.
      “An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance.
      “He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele.”

      Lionel Messi’s post was short but sweet, reading: “Rest in peace Pele.”
      Pele’s official Twitter account said: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”
      A fan of Brazilian football legend Pele shows a magazine with pictures of the football starCredit: AFP
      Pele’s daughter shared a heartbreaking photo of his family all togetherCredit: Instagram
      Pele’s wake will be held on Monday at Vila Belmiro stadium in SantosCredit: AFP
      Pele will then be laid to rest at 10am on Tues after a processionCredit: AFP More

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      Pele and Bobby Moore swapping shirts at Mexico 70 is one of game’s most iconic images and great moment of sportsmanship

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      THE iconic image of Pele and England’s Bobby Moore swapping shirts at Mexico 70 is one of the game’s greatest moments of sportsmanship.The two legends had just battled it out in the ‘Clash of the Champions’ in Guadalajara, with 1958 and 1962 winners Brazil edging holders England 1-0 in one of the all-time World Cup classics.
      This picture of Pele and Bobby Moore embracing at the 1970 World Cup has become an iconic imageCredit: Getty
      Moore and Pele, whose mutual respect on the pitch turned into a lifelong friendship, told each other they would meet again the final.
      It was not to be, as the Three Lions crashed out against West Germany in the quarter-finals.
      The Brazilian superstar recognised England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain as one of the great defenders — although he enjoyed a 100 per cent record against him in their three international meetings.
      Pele – who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 – learned to play as a boy in Sao Paulo by using grapefruits or socks stuffed with paper as a makeshift ball.
      READ MORE ON PELE
      And after Brazil smashed Alf Ramsey’s team 5-1 in Rio de Janeiro in 1964, Moore gave an insight into his rival’s unique skills.
      Moore said: “You go into the tackle, you make contact. You think you’ve got him or the ball — or both — and then you find you haven’t got either.
      “I know it sounds impossible but I swear Pele deliberately flicked the ball against my shins then picked it up on the bounce as he ran past.
      “Again and again, I felt sure I had him in a tackle — again and again, he seemed to get the luck of the bounce and beat me.
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      Moore, left, and Pele, right, lined up together with captain Gerry Francis for Team USACredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Pele and Brazil went on to lift the World Cup in 1970 as England went out in the quartersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      KING OF FOOTBALL PELE DIES AGED 82 
      Pele tributes live blog – world of football paying respects to footballing icon
      Brazil legend Pele, probably the greatest footballer of all time, passes away after cancer battle
      Pele’s daughter shares heartbreaking final photo of football legend in hospital bed
      Pele has three World Cup winner’s medals – no footballer can match that
      Football world pays tribute to icon Pele after World Cup hero’s death aged 82

      “Once might have been an accident — but he kept on doing it.”
      Pele’s Brazil went on to get the better of Moore in a 1969 Rio friendly and at Mexico 70.
      Remarkably, in 1976, the two friends would go on to line up in the SAME ‘international’ team.
      The pair played for Team USA, made up of NASL stars, in a tournament with England, Brazil and Italy. Pele refused to face his homeland. More