Winning the World Cup three times, only Pelé has managed that as a player. The Brazilian sports icon has had health problems for years. The 82-year-old is now being transferred to the palliative care ward because the cancer treatment is no longer working.
According to a media report, Brazilian soccer legend Pelé is no longer responding to chemotherapy. Cancer treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo has been suspended and Pelé is only receiving palliative care, the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported. For example, the 82-year-old received medication for the pain and shortness of breath. Palliative care includes the treatment of people with advanced disease and a limited life expectancy.
Pelé was taken to the hospital on Tuesday. His daughter Kely do Nascimiento announced that only her father’s medication would be adjusted. The hospital said Pele had full control over his vital signs and was in stable clinical condition. Sports broadcaster ESPN Brasil, on the other hand, reported that Pelé had swelling all over his body. Pelé was diagnosed with a respiratory infection on Friday, which was treated with antibiotics.
In September last year, Pelé had a tumor removed from his colon that doctors discovered during a routine examination. After the operation, Pelé was initially treated in the intensive care unit. He had to stay in the hospital for about a month after the operation. After that, Pelé was repeatedly in the hospital for chemotherapy.
Pelé’s health has repeatedly raised concerns in recent years. He underwent several hip surgeries. He also had problems with his spine and knees. Two years ago he had a kidney stone removed after a urinary tract infection. Pelé played 92 international matches and was the only footballer to date to win three World Cup titles with Brazil’s national team in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He has held the records as the youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer, youngest final goalscorer and youngest world champion since 1958, when he scored six goals in the tournament aged just 17.
