Brazilian soccer great Pele in palliative care in hospital: report

Soccer legend Pele has been placed in palliative care after being admitted to hospital earlier in the week, according to published reports in Brazil.

The 82-year-old was admitted to hospital on Tuesday with a respiratory infection and was being treated with antibiotics, according to a statement issued by the hospital on Friday.

The hospital also confirmed that the three-time World Cup winner has had to regulate his chemotherapy medication.

Pele had a colon tumor removed in September 2021 and has since gone through chemotherapy.

Neither the hospital nor his family has said whether the former footballer’s cancer has spread to other organs.

The Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported Saturday that Pele had been placed in end-of-life care and was only receiving treatment for pain and shortness of breath.

Brazilian fans showed their support for Pele during the national team’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon at the World Cup on Friday.

Fans in Qatar displayed a banner with the image of Pele holding a soccer ball behind one of the goals at Lusail Stadium. They also opened a large flag with an image of the Brazil great and the words: “Pele. Get well soon.” One fan in the stands held up a jersey with a photo of Pele on it.

Another large image of Pele could be seen on a building near the venue, along with the messages “get well soon” and “we love Pele.”

Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is the only player in history to win three World Cup titles, helping Brazil to trophies the 1958, 1962 and 1970. He remains the team’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.

This report was first published by the Associated Press