Daughter allay fears as Pelé is back in hospital
In response to reports that Pelé had been taken back into hospital, his daughter Kely Nascimento posted an update on social media stating there was no “new dire prediction”
Football legend Pelé has returned to a hospital in Brazil as he continues to be treated for colon cancer.
The three-times World Cup winner, 82, was reportedly admitted to São Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital with signs of “unbalanced heart failure”, a general swelling all over his body and confusion, according to ESPN Brasil.
Pelé underwent surgery to remove a tumour in September 2021, and he has required regular medical treatment since. However, his daughter has sought to play down concerns about the health of one of football’s greatest players, saying “there is no emergency”.
In response to reports that Pelé had been taken back into hospital, his daughter Kely Nascimento posted an update on social media stating there was no “new dire prediction”.
She wrote on Instagram: “Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad’s health. He is in the hospital regulating medication. Some of my siblings are visiting Brazil. There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Year and promise to post some pictures. Really and truly, we appreciate the concern and love!”
A statement from the hospital said that Pelé had been readmitted to assess his chemotherapy treatment. It added: “After medical assessment, the patient was taken to a regular bedroom, with no need of entering a semi-intensive care or intensive care unit. The former player has total control of his vital functions and clinically stable.”
ESPN Brazil also said that Pelé’s health has been an increasing source of concern in recent months as the legendary footballer has not been responding to chemotherapy.
Pelé announced his arrival on the international stage as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.
Injury affected Pelé’s contribution at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph, this time in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time.
Officially, Pelé scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although his club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.
