Pelé has reportedly been moved to palliative care after the chemotherapy he was receiving no longer had the expected results during the soccer star's battle with colon cancer.
As reported by Reuters - as well as outlets such as the Daily Mail and the New York Post - the Brazillian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported on Saturday that the soccer legend's chemotherapy has been suspended, and that he is now only being treated for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breathe.
Pelé - born Edson Arantes do Nascimento - was admitted to hospital on Tuesday for a re-evaluation of his cancer treatment, per Reuters. BBC News adds that, per a hospital report, Pelé was also suffering from "general swelling".
He was later diagnosed with a respiratory infection.
Initially, a statement from the hospital said that the soccer legend was being treated with antibiotics and that "the response has been adequate".
At the time, his daughter, Kely Nascimento, shared the following message on Instagram: "Hi my friends. Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad’s health.
"He is in the hospital regulating medication. Some of my siblings are visiting Brazil. There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures. Really and truly, we appreciate the concern and love!!"
Nascimento is yet to provide any comment on the recent news reported by Folha de S.Paulo.
However, French soccer star Kylian Mbappé has taken to Twitter to ask his fans to "pray for the King".
Back in September 2021, the three-time World Cup winner has a tumor removed from his colon. He has been receiving regular monthly treatments since.
On December 1, he took to his personal Instagram account following a touching tribute from current World Cup hosts, Qatar. "It's always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes," Pelé wrote.
Pelé is considered to be one of the best soccer players of all time, with FIFA bestowing him with the moniker of "The Greatest".
No other player has scored more goals for Brazil than Pelé, with the former striker amassing 77 goals in just 92 games.
He is also one of just four players to score in four FIFA World Cup tournaments.
His accolades meant that Pelé became one of the most significant pop culture figures throughout the 20th century, who is still adored by soccer fans around the world.
We wish Pelé and his loved ones the best at this time.
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