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Pele has congratulated fellow Brazilians Vinicius Junior and Marcelo for their contributions to Real Madrid’s triumphant Champions League campaign, which he hailed as a “beautiful adventure”.
Vinicius converted Federico Valverde’s cross in the 59th minute to fire Madrid to a 1-0 final win over Liverpool at the Stade de France, as Los Blancos were crowned European champions for a 14th time – seven more occasions than any other team.
With his decisive strike, Vinicius became the first Brazilian player to score the winning goal in a Champions League final since Juliano Belletti did so for Barcelona against Arsenal in 2006, also in Paris.
The winger’s sixth goal in the Champions League this season, combined with his previous four assists, made him the first South American aged 21 or younger to record 10 goal contributions in a single edition of the competition since Lionel Messi’s 14 in 2008-09 (nine goals, five assists).
Meanwhile, Marcelo lifted the trophy as club captain before announcing his departure from Madrid, having made more appearances for Los Blancos than any other non-Spanish player during his 15-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Writing on Instagram after the final, Brazil great Pele hailed his compatriots for their roles in Madrid’s success, also praising man-of-the-match Thibaut Courtois and Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is the first coach to win the Champions League/European Cup four times.
“That’s why football is the most beautiful sport in the world. I got to see a dear friend, Vinicius, who overcame so many challenges to decide an epic game,” Pele wrote.
“I’m delighted to see Marcelo be the first Brazilian to lift a Champions League trophy as captain.
“I witnessed an impeccable goalkeeper, Courtois, make inexplicable saves, and a strategist coach, Ancelotti, who knew how to interpret the moment and use the best characteristics of his team.
“Congratulations Real Madrid. What a beautiful adventure!”
