Former President John Dramani Mahama has joined thousands mourning the passing of iconic footballer Pele.

He described the three-time World Cup winner as “one of the greatest footballers that ever lived, beautified the game and iconised the No. 10 shirt.”

Edson Arantes do Nascimento known in the football world as Pele died on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with cancer.

In commiserating, the 2020 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said, “Sad to hear the passing of Edson Arantes do Nascimento simply known to the world as Pele. My heart goes out to his family and indeed the entire football fraternity across the globe.”

Mr. Mahama noted, “He inspired many of us as children, some of whom grew up to become great footballers. He also was an icon for those of us who never got round to mastering the game. In the brief moments we had the ball at our feet we dreamed that we were like the great soccer maestro.”

“He was a respected global ambassador and symbol of courage, peace and hope for many, particularly the black race,” he added.