There is some very sad news out of Brazil as it’s reported that Brazilian soccer legend Pelé is no longer receiving chemotherapy for bowel cancer and has been moved to end-of-life palliative care.
According to the Brazilian news outlet Folha de S. Paulo, Pele’s treatment is now more for pain relief and shortness of breath. The King has been undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer since September 2021.
Pelé was admitted to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo this past Tuesday and the hospital revealed on Friday that the 82-year-old was being treated with antibiotics for a respiratory infection and while he was stable, would remain hospitalized while he continues treatment. Pelé’s daughter Kely Nascimento, said that the media was “overreacting” and that her father is regulating his medication while in the hospital. She noted that she is not “jumping on a flight to run there” and plans to see her dad on New Year’s Eve, indicating no emergency and things aren’t as dire as reported.
Pelé took to Instagram to show his appreciation to everyone for the positive messages and tribute to him at the FIFA World Cup.
View this post on Instagram
Pelé posted, “Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit. It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!”
The entire soccer world is rallying behind Pelé, sending positive vibes and praying that The King pulls through.
Pray for the King 👑🙏🏽🇧🇷 @Pele
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 3, 2022
Pray for the king. 🇧🇷👑🙏🏾 @Pele
— Rivaldo Jr. (@9rivaldinho) December 3, 2022
Sending love and prayers to @Pele the best player I ever shared a pitch with. pic.twitter.com/BlBkwdO3aO
— Cliff Jones (@Cliff_Jones11) December 3, 2022
Hold on, @Pele. Fight, king. Fight. A 6th one is coming for you. We’re all with you. pic.twitter.com/QmOP8RCxfe
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) December 3, 2022
Una noticia muy triste. https://t.co/BLjsrigRcF
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 3, 2022