The football world will join the whole of Brazil to pay their respects to Pele at a funeral ceremony for the legendary forward in Sao Paulo today.

Pele, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, died at the age of 82 in December. Tributes have flooded in from the footballing community and beyond for a man widely considered to be one of the best – if not the best – to ever play the game.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, whose term came to an end at the turn of the year, declared three days of national mourning after Pele’s passing. A number of footballers past and present have shared tributes on social media, while a funeral reception and parade through Sao Paulo will allow many to pay their respects in person.

We will be providing live coverage throughout the day, so stay with Mirror Football for updates.

First fans to pay their respects waited 14 hours

Supporters have been waiting overnight to pay their respects, with some joining the queue some 14 hours ahead of time.