Doctors said Wednesday that Pelé’s health has deteriorated during his hospitalisation to regulate his cancer medication.
Pelé’s cancer has progressed, according to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, and the 82-year-old Brazilian soccer legend is receiving “elevated care” for “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions.”
The hospital made no mention of the three-time World Cup champion’s recent respiratory infection, which was exacerbated by COVID-19.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is undergoing chemotherapy in his battle against cancer after a colon tumour was removed in September 2021. Neither his family nor the hospital have stated whether or not the cancer had spread to other organs.
Pelé will spend Christmas in the hospital, according to one of his daughters, Kely Nascimento.
“We decided with doctors that it would be best for us to stay here, with all the care that this new family at Einstein provides us,” she wrote on Instagram. “We’ll even make caipirinhas” (no kidding). We adore you and will provide an update next week.”
According to the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, Pelé’s chemotherapy isn’t working and doctors have decided to put him on palliative care. Pelé’s family strongly denied the report. The Associated Press was unable to confirm the newspaper’s claims.
Pelé led Brazil to World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970, and he is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals. During the most recent World Cup, Neymar tied Pelé’s record.
Several tributes and well-wishes were paid to the former footballer during the Qatar tournament, which Argentina won on Sunday.
