Pele back in hospital to regulate medication, says daughter

Brazilian soccer great Pele was hospitalized in Sao Paulo to regulate the medication in his fight against a colon tumour, his daughter said on Wednesday.

Kely Nascimento added that there was "no emergency" concerning her 82-year-old father's health.

Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo later added in a statement that Edson Arantes do Nascimento, globally known as Pele, was in stable condition after arriving Tuesday "for a reevaluation of the chemotherapeutic treatment of the tumour."

The hospital also said the former footballer "has full control of his vital functions" and was not taken to intensive or semi-intensive care units for treatment.

Nascimento, who lives in the United States, made the comments in an Instagram post after what she called "lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health."

ESPN Brasil reported earlier that the three-time World Cup champion was taken to Hospital Albert Einstein due to "general swelling."

Spokespeople for Pele and Hospital Albert Einstein did not reply to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Pele removed a tumour in September of 2021, with the hospital saying then that he would begin chemotherapy.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, globally known as Pele, has used his social media channels since then to deny he was in poor health. His latest public comment was in an Instagram post on Oct. 23, his birthday.

"I just want to express my gratitude. Life is good. Turning 82 with my family, in good health, is the best gift. Thank you for everything I have received," he said in a video.

Pele helped Brazil win the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups and remains the country's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches for the national team.