Three-time FIFA World Cup winner Pele has been hospitalised in Sao Paulo amid his long battle with cancer. His daughter, Kely Nascimento, said on Wednesday that while there was ‘no emergency,’ her 82-year-old father was required to regulate his medication in his fight against a colon tumour.
Amid all the ‘alarm in the media’, Nascimento said that there was no reason to panic and that she appreciated the concern everybody showcased.
Pele removed the tumour in September of 2021. The hospital said then it was identified during routine cardiovascular and laboratory exams, adding the Brazilian would have to begin chemotherapy.
Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and labelled “the greatest” by FIFA, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record.