Pele to spend Christmas in hospital as cancer advances

Three-time World Cup winner Pele will stay in hospital over Christmas as his cancer has advanced and requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction.

The legendary Brazil forward has had colon cancer since September 2021 and was hospitalised late last month for doctors to analyse his condition and treatment. He has also been treated for a respiratory infection.

His daughter, Kelly Nascimento, revealed on social media that the family will remain with Pele in hospital while he receives care.

“Insta family, our Christmas at home has been suspended,” she wrote on Instagram. “We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us!!

“We, as always, thank you for all the love you show us here in Brazil as well as around the world!

“Your love for him and your stories and prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.

“We are going to turn this room into a Sambódromo (just kidding), we will even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).

“We wish everyone who celebrates a Christmas that filled with family, full of children, some fighting 🤷🏽‍♀️ and TONS of Love and Health !!

“We love you, we will give you an update next week.”

The Brazil side showed their support at the World Cup with banners baring Pele’s image and name after their 4-1 victory over South Korea in Qatar. The Selecao’s journey came to a premature end when they knocked out by Croatia on penalties in the quarter finals.