Pele rushed to hospital with ‘swelling all over his body’ as Brazil icon battles cancer

The health of legendary Brazil star Pele has reportedly deteriorated after he was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo with swelling all over his body.

Pele, who is currently undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer, went into the Albert Einstein hospital on Tuesday in what was an unscheduled visit after being taken by his wife Marcia Aokoi and a carer, according to ESPN Brasil – who describe Pele’s condition as ‘debilitated’.

Medical staff at the Einstein confirmed his condition of anasarca (general swelling), an edemigemic syndrome (general edema) and even identified ‘decompensated heart failure’.

It is also reported that his chemotherapy treatment on his cancer is no longer working, while he was diagnosed with mental confusion upon entering the hospital, where he was restless.

He is set to undergo several tests today for a further assessment of the problems detected and the troubles with his organs which have been impacted by the metastatic cancer. 

They are also set to look at the likelihood of a hepatic encephalopathy, while Pele is also struggling to eat.

It is an extremely worrying time for the medical staff and Pele’s family, with a particular worry over how his cancer treatment is not working. 

The health of legendary Brazil star Pele has reportedly deteriorated after he was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo with swelling all over his body and heart failure issues

Pele is one of the greatest footballers of all time and won three World Cups with Brazil

Pele is one of the greatest footballers of all time and won three World Cups with Brazil

It is reported that Pele has his wife by his side in hospital as he undergoes several tests

It is reported that Pele has his wife by his side in hospital as he undergoes several tests

There is no time frame on Pele leaving hospital, with Pele still at the Einstein with his wife and carer by his bedside.

However, Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento, who it must be noted is not in Brazil, insisted there was no need need for alarm and that there was ‘no surprise or emergency’ involved with her father being in hospital.

She posted on Instagram:  ‘Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad’s health. He is in the hospital regulating medication.

Pele scored 655 goals in 700 club career games, while he netted 77 times in 92 caps for Brazil

Pele scored 655 goals in 700 club career games, while he netted 77 times in 92 caps for Brazil

Pele's daughter Kely Nascimento insisted there was no need need for alarm about her father

Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento insisted there was no need need for alarm about her father

‘There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures.’ 

Officials at the hospital have not commented on his health, and while his wife Marcia did confirm the Brazil icon was in hospital, she implied it is only for his standard chemotherapy and check-ups.

Pele’s agent Joe Fraga said he did not have an update on the former Brazil forward’s status. 

The concerns about Pele being admitted to hospital come after was hospitalised for six days last year and underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his colon. 

The Globo news site in Brazil said Pele was undergoing routine examinations in Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital when the undisclosed issue was detected. 

Taking to social media at the time, Pele allayed any fears over his health.

‘My friends, thank you very much for the kind messages,’ he wrote on Instagram. 

‘I thank God for feeling very well and for allowing Dr Fabio and Dr Miguel to take care of my health. Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon. The tumor was identified during the tests I mentioned last week.

‘Fortunately, I’m used to celebrating great victories alongside you. I will face this match with a smile on my face, a lot of optimism and joy for living surrounded by the love of my family and friends.’

In 2020, Pele’s son said his father was depressed over his poor health and reluctant to leave the house because he cannot walk without assistance, although Pele later publicly denied that statement. 

The Brazilian had said: ‘I am good. I continue to accept my physical limitations in the best way possible but I intend to keep the ball rolling.

‘I have good days and bad days. That is normal for people of my age. I am not afraid, I am determined, confident in what I do.’

Pele is regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and is the only player to win three World Cups.

He scored 655 goals in 700 club career games, while he also netted 77 times in 92 caps for Brazil.

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