Soccer great Pelé's health deteriorating, doctors say

SAO PAULO — The health of soccer great Pelé' has worsened during his hospital stay to regulate his cancer medication, doctors in Brazil said on Wednesday.

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According to a statement from doctors at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, the 82-year-old Brazilian sports icon, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is under “elevated care” related to “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions,” The Associated Press reported.

Doctors added that Pelé's cancer has advanced, according to the BBC.

The three-time World Cup winner has been hospitalized for just over three weeks, the news organization reported.

Pelé's daughter said on social media that he would spend Christmas in the hospital, according to the BBC.

“Our Christmas at home has been suspended,” Kely Nascimento wrote in an Instagram post. “We decided with doctors that, for many reasons, it will be best for us to stay here, with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us.

“We will even make some caipirinhas (no kidding). We love you and we will give up an update next week.”

Pelé had a tumor on the right side of his colon removed in September 2021.

Pelé won the 1958 World Cup as a teenager with Brazil and added titles in 1962 and 1970. He remains the country’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches, according to The Associated Press.

In 2000, FIFA named Pelé as its Player of the Century, CNN reported. It was an honor he shared with Argentina’s Diego Maradona.

Famous for rarely being injured during his career with Brazil and with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, Pelé has suffered from hip problems and is unable to walk without assistance, Reuters reported.

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