The world class hospital where Pelé will be spending Christmas
The Brazilian soccer legend has been in the hospital since the end of November and will unfortunately spend Christmas there as his health has worsened.
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé is to remain in the hospital over the Christmas holidays. He has been in the Albert Einstein Israelite hospital in São Paulo since November 29 to treat a respiratory infection as well as reassess his chemotherapy treatment.
Tracking Santa this Christmas Eve
Pelé's condition worsening
According to doctors at the Albert Einstein hospital, Pelé's cancer has advanced and he is now under elevated care related to “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions”. Though it was reported last week that his chemotherapy was not working and that he was put on palliative care, Pelé's family denied that was true.
One of Pelé's daughters, Kelly Nascimento, said that he will stay in the hospital during Christmas.
“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,” Nascimento said in an Instagram post. “We will even make some caipirinhas (no kidding). We love you and we will give up an update next week.”
The Albert Einstein hospital where Pelé is staying is considered to be the best hospital in all of Latin America and among the top 50 best in the whole world. It’s known for its quality, high tech medical equipment, and proficient doctors available.
In recent years, Pelé has suffered from several health issues including spine, hip, knee, and kidney issues. Last year, he had surgery to remove a tumor in his colon.
Pelé is the only soccer player to have ever won the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. The 82-year-old remains one of Brazil’s all-time leading scorers with 77 goals, a record that Neymar tied during this year’s World Cup in Qatar. During the tournament, an outpouring of support and well-wishes were sent to Pelé.