Brazilian football icon Pele will remain in hospital over Christmas after a medical report showed his cancer had progressed.
Doctors say he now needs treatment for heart and kidney dysfunction.
Pelé, 82, has been battling colon cancer since September 2021 and was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paul Hospital on November 29 for doctors to reevaluate his treatment.
His daughter said in an Instagram post that the support of her fans was a “huge comfort” to him.
Kely Nascimento wrote, “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort as we know we are not alone.
“Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), even make caipirinhas (just kidding!!).”
Relatives said in early December that Pele was hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19.
Pelé, whose name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, had a colon tumor removed in September 2021 and has since inside and outside the hospital for regular treatment.
The soccer legend underwent chemotherapy in his battle with cancer.
Pelé is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time.
He burst onto the world stage aged 17 at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five wins.
He also won the 1962 and 1970 World Cups with the national team.
