FIFA, Caf, Others Celebrate Ghana Football Icon Abedi Pele As He Turns 56 Years Today

Abedi Pele

The world football community is celebrating Ghana football icon, Abedi Ayew Pele as he turns 56-year-old today.

The 1982 Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon] winner is one of the best football talents to have ever emerged from the African continent.

Abedi Pele played for Ghana 73 times and is considered the greatest football player in his country's history, and among the best in Africa.

Until 7 June 2013, when he was surpassed by Asamoah Gyan, he was the top goalscorer for the Black Stars with 33 goals.

Pele also won laurels with Olympique Marseille, where is considered as a legend of the club. He moved on to play in Asia among other European football clubs.

His contribution to his team’s success in France and in Europe earned him the title of African Player of the Year on three occasions, awarded by France Football Magazine.

He was also awarded the BBC African Sports star of the year in 1992, which was the inaugural year of the award.

Abedi’s biggest contribution came in Marseille's historic Champions League final win over AC Milan in 1993, where he was also adjudged to be man of the match.

He was also instrumental in Marseille’s domestic success in the Ligue as they won it three times (1990-91, 1991-91, 1992-93) and also appeared in another Champions League final earlier in 1991.

Abedi finished his career at Al Ain, where he appeared in 31 matches and scored 28 goals in a period of two years, winning the Pro league in 1999-2000 and President’s Cup in 1999.

He was also nominated as one of the best foreign players have ever played in the UAE League.

Below are some of the reactions from the football community on Pele's 56th birthday.