In a statement released on Wednesday, the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo stated that Pelé’s cancer has progressed and that the 82-year-old Brazilian soccer legend is receiving “elevated care” because of “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions.”

The three-time World Cup champion recently suffered from a respiratory illness that was made worse by COVID-19, but the hospital made no note of any symptoms.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is battling cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy after having a colon tumour removed in September 2021. Whether disease has spread to other organs has not been disclosed by either his family or the hospital.

According to a Saturday article in the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, physicians have decided to place Pelé on palliative care because his treatment is not working. The report was disputed by Pelé’s family. The facts in the publication could not be verified by the Associated Press.

One of his daughters, Kely Nascimento, confirmed that Pelé will remain in the hospital for the holiday season.

She posted on Instagram, “we decided with doctors that, for many reasons, it will be best for us to stay here, with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us,” we will even make some caipirinhas (no kidding). We love you and we will give up an update next week.”

With 77 goals in his career, Pelé continues to rank among the team’s all-time leading scorers. He guided Brazil to World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970. During the most recent World Cup, Neymar equaled Pelé’s record.