Pele's cancer has advanced, says hospital

The three-time Brazilian World Cup winner has spent the last three weeks in the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo.

A statement from the hospital that is treating Pele announced the Brazilian great’s cancer has advanced.

Pele has been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021 and had a tumor removed in September of that year. The 82-year-old was admitted to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo in late November. He has remained there for the past three weeks.

The hospital released a statement on Wednesday stating Pele needs additional care, related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions. Therefore, he will remain hospitalized during Christmas.

“Our Christmas at home has been suspended,” Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, posted 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. Your love for him, his stories, and his prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.”

The hospital’s report stated: “Edson Arantes do Nascimento [Pele] presents progression of the oncological disease and requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions.

“The patient remains hospitalized in a common room, under the necessary care of the medical team.”