Pelé thanks for his birthday messages 0:37
(CNN) --
Soccer stars past and present are sending Pele messages of encouragement on social media after local Brazilian media reported that his health had worsened.
The 82-year-old former soccer player, recognized for being one of the best players of all time, was admitted to a Sao Paulo hospital on Tuesday to reassess his cancer treatment after a colon tumor was removed in September 2021.
Pelé has a respiratory infection and will continue to be hospitalized for the next few days
Pelé took to Instagram on Thursday to thank fans for the positive messages and "good vibes" he was receiving.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé urged his Twitter followers on Saturday to "Pray for the King", a reference to the nickname of the Brazil great, tagging Pelé in his tweet.
Pray for the King 👑🙏🏽🇧🇷 @Pele
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— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 3, 2022
Meanwhile, Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Jr., who is playing for the national team in Qatar 2022, and former Brazilian player Rivaldo also took to social media to urge the legend to "stay strong."
Pelé, who helped Brazil win three World Cup titles, in 1958, 1962 and 1970, has suffered from ill health in recent years but has remained active on social media.
Last month he said he hoped to see the Brazil national team win a record sixth title in Qatar.
Pele
