Brazilian soccer legend Pele's cancer has advanced and the former athlete is receiving medical care at a hospital in Brazil for
kidney and heart failure
, according to a medical report published Wednesday.
Pelé, 82, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been battling colon cancer since September 2021 and was hospitalized on November 29 for doctors to reassess his chemotherapy treatment.
[Pelé, the 'king' of soccer, is hospitalized in the middle of the World Cup and a daughter talks about her condition]
The Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo announced that Pelé is being treated in the general ward, but "requires more care related to kidney and heart dysfunction."
Brazil fans stand behind a banner of former Brazilian player Pelé before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between Brazil and South Korea on December 5, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.James Williamson - AMA / Getty Images
Pele, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, will spend Christmas in the hospital, his daughter, Kely Nascimento, said in a post on Instagram.
"Our Christmas at home has been suspended.
We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here, with all the care.
We, as always, thank you for all the love you show here in Brazil and all over the world!
the world! Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone."
Pelé scored more than 1,000 goals during his career, one of the most prolific in the sport, which marked a before and after in football.
He is the only player in history to be champion of three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970).
With information from Reuters and AFP.
