December 22 – Pelé’s health has worsened during attempts to regulate his cancer medication, his doctors have admitted, and his family say he will remain in hospital over Christmas.
The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement that the Brazilian legend’s cancer has advanced and that the 82-year-old was under “elevated care” related to “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions”.
Pelé, who led Brazil to victory at the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, is undergoing chemotherapy in his fight against cancer since he had a colon tumour removed in September 2021.
Kely Nascimento, one of his daughters, was quoted as saying: “Our Christmas at home has been suspended. We decided with doctors that, for many reasons, it will be best for us to stay here, with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us.”
Newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported Saturday that Pelé’s chemotherapy is not working and that doctors had decided to put him on palliative care. Pelé’s family denied that.
Although Brazil were knocked out of the Qatar World Cup in the last eight, following arch-rival Argentina’s win in Sunday’s final Pele posted a picture on social media of their team lifting the trophy, and hailed the performances of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and surprise semi-finalists Morocco.
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