Former Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pelé, has been under medical care after testing positive for covid-19 and developing a lung infection that required hospitalization, according to statements from his daughter, Kely Nascimento.
According to Nascimento, Pelé contracted covid about three weeks prior and, despite receiving vaccines, remains in a fragile state due to ongoing cancer treatment and chemotherapy. The infection prompted admission to the hospital for close monitoring and therapy. The medical team at the institution explained that the infection was the immediate concern necessitating hospitalization.
Pelé, aged 82, has been at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo since late last week to reassess the chemotherapy protocol for a colon tumor identified in 2021. The hospital later reported that a respiratory infection had developed, and antibiotics were started to address the infection. The family provided ongoing updates to clarify the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
Pelé remains stable and responds well to infection treatment
Health officials issued a bulletin indicating that Pelé’s condition remained stable and that he has reacted positively to the treatment for his respiratory infection. There has been no deterioration reported in the most recent 24 hours, and the medical team continues to monitor his response to therapy.
Speculation in various media outlets suggested Pelé had stopped chemotherapy in favor of palliative care due to the spread of cancer to other organs. The family publicly rejected these reports, with his daughter Flávia Arantes stating that Pelé is not in intensive care and remains in a standard room receiving treatment. She characterized the reports about palliative care as unfair and inaccurate.
Fans and supporters around the world have kept Pelé in their thoughts. The moment coincides with ongoing World Cup events and has prompted a wave of messages from clubs, former teammates, and fans who remember Pelé’s contributions to the sport. Supporters outside the hospital in Sao Paulo continue to express their wishes for a swift and full recovery, underscoring Pelé’s lasting impact on football history and the global sports community. [Attribution: Globo, ESPN, Folha de S.Paulo]