Pele, a legend of Brazilian football who was hospitalized this week while receiving cancer treatments, has developed a respiratory infection but is otherwise doing well, according to his doctors.
The 82-year-old icon, whose health has deteriorated recently, was admitted to the hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday for what the medical staff described as a “reevaluation” of the chemotherapy he has been receiving since having a colon tumor surgically removed in September 2021.
“The medical team diagnosed him with a respiratory infection, which is being treated with antibiotics,” the hospital said in a statement.
“The patient’s response has been adequate, and he remains in a standard room,” not intensive care, it said.
“He is stable and his health is showing general improvement. He will remain in the hospital in the coming days to continue treatment.”
Although Pele makes fewer public appearances now, he nevertheless keeps an active online presence.
He posted a picture from Qatar, the host nation for the World Cup, in which his image was illuminated on a tower, on Thursday to thank well-wishers for their notes.
“It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!” he wrote, describing his hospital stay as a routine visit.
Prior to Friday’s World Cup match between Cameroon and five-time champions Brazil, Pele continued to receive encouraging messages.
Fans at Lusail stadium held up a huge green and yellow banner with the words “Get well soon” and a picture of Pele wearing his famous number 10.
On the avenue outside the stadium, the same statement was posted.
Pele, real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is the only player in history to have won three World Cups and is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time (1958, 1962 and 1970).
