Brazilian great Pele’s cancer has progressed, according to the hospital where the 82-year-old is being treated.
The three-time World Cup winner has been hospitalized for just over three weeks.
His daughter said on social media that he would be spending Christmas in hospital.
Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital said Pele “exhibits cancerous disease progression and requires more extensive care related to kidney and heart dysfunction.”
Pelé had a colon tumor removed in September 2021 and has since had regular treatment.
“Our Christmas at home has been put on hold,” Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.
“We have decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it is best that we stay here with all the care that this new Einstein family gives us.”
Immediately after admission, Sao Paulo hospital had said Pelé “responded well to treatment for the respiratory infections” and added that he was undergoing a “reassessment of the chemotherapy treatment”.
Pele is his country’s all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and helped his country win the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Brazilian players paid tribute to Pele after their last 16 win over South Korea at the 2022 World Cup as they held up a banner with his name and picture on it.
