Pele's Cancer Worsens — Hospital Announces

Brazilian football great Pele's cancer has worsened to his kidney and heart problems, the hospital announced on Wednesday.

Pele, 82, is being treated in the general ward but "requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions," said the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

Pele, who is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time was hospitalised in Sao Paulo on 29 November for what his medical team called a re-evaluation of his chemotherapy treatments, which he has been receiving since having surgery to remove a colon tumour in September 2021.

His daughter said on social media that he would spend Christmas in the hospital.

"Our Christmas at home has been suspended," wrote Pele's daughter, Kely Nascimento, on Instagram.

"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 scored more than 1,000 goals in one of the most storied careers in sport. He is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).

"The King" has been in fragile health in recent years, and his public appearances have grown rare. But he remains active on social media.

He posted regularly online during the Qatar World Cup, including a message of support to Brazil star Neymar after the "Selecao" crashed out of the tournament in a quarterfinal loss to Croatia.