Football legend Pele is receiving end-of-life care in hospital, according to reports in Brazil. News outlet Folha reports that the former Brazil international, who has been receiving treatment for colon cancer, has had his chemotherapy suspended.
He is now undergoing measures aimed at relieving pain and a shortness of breath, the report said. The 82-year-old had surgery in September 2021 to remove a tumour.
Rumours about the state of Pele's health have been swirling over the the last few days, with suggestions he had been taken back into hospital. But his daughter, Kely Nascimento, posted an update on social media stating there was no “new dire prediction”.
And on Thursday evening, a post on Pele’s Instagram account looked to allay any serious worries. Attached to a photograph of a ‘get well soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar was the caption: "Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit.
“It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!”
Pele is considered one of football's greatest ever players and perhaps the sport's first global superstar. He burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.
Injury affected his contribution to the 1962 and 1966 finals, but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time. Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.
On Saturday France forward Kylian Mbappe wrote on Twitter: "Pray for the King". Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker wrote in Portuguese: "Very sad news."
