Hospital Albert Einstein said in a statement that the 81-year-old is "stable and is expected to be released in the coming days".
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Brazilian football legend Pele has been hospitalized for treatment of a previously identified colon tumor, Sao Paulo’s Hospital Albert Einstein said on Wednesday, adding that he is in stable condition and should be discharged in the next few days. The 81-year-old icon underwent surgery for the tumor on September 4, spending a month in the hospital before being released to continue chemotherapy. According to Wednesday’s note from the hospital, Pele is now “continuing” his treatment.
“The patient is stable, and the forecast is that he will be released in the coming days,” the statement said.
The three-time World Cup winner is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years and has spent various stints in the hospital.
Hip surgery left him with recurring pain and he has used a walker at his latest public appearance, which have grown increasingly rare.
However, the leading all-time goalscorer for Brazil maintains an active presence on social media, recently congratulating Lionel Messi for winning his seventh Ballon d’Or and posting a tribute to fellow legend Diego Maradona on his first death anniversary.
Pele burst onto the global scene at the age of 17 in the 1958 FIFA World Cup, when he scored six goals to take Brazil to title triumph in Sweden. The talented footballer scored some dazzling goals including two in the final against the hosts as Brazil won their maiden World Cup.
Four years later, he was also part of the World Cup winning Brazilian team in 1962 in Chile, but didn’t have a great tournament as he struggled with injuries after being on the receiving end of some hard tackles from the opposition players.
Meanwhile the 1970 World Cup in Mexico was Pele’s best one, as he led his team to a scintillating 4-1 win against Italy in the final. Pele scored four goals in the tournament including the opener in the final. He went on to win the Golden Ball award and the Brazilian team of 1970 is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the game.
Pele had one of the storied careers in sport, scoring more than 1000 goals before retiring in 1977.
