Pele’s cancer worsens and is expected to spend the holidays in a hospital bed

A statement from the Sao Paulo hospital where Pele who is aged 82 is receiving treatment acknowledged that his cancer has worsened.

The three-time World Cup champion has spent three weeks in the hospital.

His daughter announced that he would spend Christmas in the facility via Instagram.

According to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein said Pele “requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions” because of the “cancer progression”.

Pele’s tumor was removed from his colon in September last year and has had regular treatment since.

“Our Christmas at home has been suspended,” wrote Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento.

“We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us.”

Pele “had an excellent reaction to treatment for respiratory infection care,” according to a hospital statement released shortly after he was admitted, and he was also undergoing a “reassessment of chemotherapy treatment.”

With 77 goals in 92 games, Pele is first among all male scorers for Brazil. He also assisted his nation in winning the World Cup in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

After defeating South Korea in the 2022 World Cup’s round of 16, Brazil’s players honored Pele by holding up a banner bearing his name and likeness.