Football icon Pele passed away on December 29 at the age of 82 at a Brazilian hospital in Sao Paulo – Lewis Hamilton paid tribute.
Lewis Hamilton appears to be completely shattered after the news of Pele’s death was officially confirmed. The British driver paid tribute to the departed soul on Instagram through a series of stories. It is a well-known fact that Hamilton idolised Pele since his childhood and the news of his passing away has left him heartbroken.
Hamilton uploaded back-to-back five Instagram stories to express his gratitude and pay homage to one of the greatest footballers of all time. “Lost a legend today. Thank You for sharing your genius, talent and love with us. @Pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always.” In another story, the seven-time F1 World Champion shared a Brazilian jersey that he received from the legend himself and Pele even wrote a personalised message for Hamilton. “Meant so much to get this from the legend himself. Keeping it safe with me always”, Hamilton captioned the picture.
Hamilton and Pele had tremendous mutual admiration and respect for each other’s work. It’s no secret that Hamilton absolutely loves Brazil and has always admired Pele. When the Brit was conferred honorary Brazilian citizenship, Pele even took to social media to congratulate the F1 star.
In November 2022, Hamilton was awarded the honorary citizenship of Brazil in the capital city of Brasilia. In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won the first of his seven Formula 1 championships at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Last year, after winning the Interlagos race, it was announced that the Brazilian government could grant him honorary citizenship, and he finally received it in an official ceremony last month. Pele conveyed his good wishes and wrote: “Congratulations, Lewis. I am happy that, from now on, I can consider you a countryman.”
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