Brazil legend Pele was honoured during a ‘Game of Stars’ between Samba icons at the Maracana Stadium. Organised by former Brazil star Zico, the charity match featured numerous aces from the South American country.

Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender David Luiz captained a team featuring Zico, the 69-year-old’s grandson and several Flamengo team-mates. And there was also a cameo from 16-year-old wonderkid Endrick, who will join Real Madrid from Palmeiras for £60 million in 2024.

But the only man on their minds at yesterday’s game was none other than national great Pele. The 82-year-old’s cancer sadly advanced this month. And he is now surrounded by loved ones after being moved to “elevated care” at a Sao Paulo hospital.

Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, is considered by many to be the beautiful game’s greatest player. The forward is said to have scored close to 2,000 goals throughout his playing career. And he helped influence generations of talent, including Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

Former and current football stars came together at the Maracana to pay tribute to Pele yesterday, with respected ex-internationals like Ze Roberto and Lucio also present. The players all wore white shirts bearing the phrase “Eternal Pele” on the chest.

And Zico hailed the icon’s legacy in a heartfelt message, saying: “I learned a lot from him when I was a kid. It’s a source of pride to be in a country that has the best player of all time. He was always an inspiration to all of us.”

Luiz declared, “It is a sad and distressing moment. Pele represents all of us who have lived the passion for football since childhood.

“May God be with him. He deserves the best.”

Former Juventus and Atletico Madrid midfielder Diego added, “I started my career in Santos. Having a photo with him was one of the great emotions I had in my life. He inspires us, not only in the world of soccer, but also in the world of sports. We are in prayer for his health.”

• The Sun report