World Cup legend Pele receiving palliative care

Pele has been moved to palliative care in hospital, according to reports in Brazil.

News outlet Folha reports that the former Brazil international’s chemotherapy has been suspended and he is now undergoing measures aimed at relieving pain and a shortness of breath.

The 82-year-old has been receiving treatment for colon cancer, having undergone surgery to remove a tumour during September 2021.

Adam Davy

Following reports Pele, considered football’s first world superstar, had been taken back into hospital amid growing concerns for his health, his daughter Kely Nascimento posted an update on social media stating there was no “new dire prediction”.

On Thursday evening, a post on Pele’s Instagram account looked to allay any serious worries.

Attached to a photograph of a ‘get well soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar, the Brazil great wrote: “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!”

England captain Harry Kane, speaking ahead of the last-16 match against Senegal on Sunday, said the team was sending its best wishes to Pele and his family.

He said: “He is an inspiration among our game. He’s an incredible footballer, incredible person.

“We are very sad to hear news of him being ill but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up”

Pele outside Wembley in 2000
Rebecca Naden

Pele burst onto the global scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.

Injury affected his contribution to the 1962 and 1966 finals, but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time.

Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.