Pope Francis adored fútbol prior to his death. The soccer world is returning the love

The world's greatest soccer stars have posted tributes to the Argentine pontiff, and the biggest homage is that his home team San Lorenzo's new stadium will be named after him.

Pope Francis has been called the "people's" pope, a "maverick" pope and the "outsider" pope.

He could also be called the fútbol pope.

The soccer world has been paying tribute to the late pontiff from Argentina, who used his love of fútbol — the term for soccer in Spanish — as a way to connect with people around the world, especially with young people. Francis was also known to use football in analogies to convey messages of teamwork, inclusion, hard work and unity. He promoted the “Match for Peace,” where the sport’s top players take part in a friendly match to promote peace and unity.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said this week on Instagram that on the occasions where he spent time with the pope, “he always shared his enthusiasm for football and highlighted the important role our sport plays in society, particularly in the education and protection of children around the world.”

Pope Francis watches Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez juggling a soccer ball in Rome in 2022.Andrew Medichini / AP fileHis hometown team devotion — and its ultimate tributeFrancis has said he's loved the game since he was a child, even though he's admitted he was “not among the best” and quipped that he had “two left feet.”