BRAZIL has had some truly wonderful players over the years but only one crops up in conversations about GOAT status.
Football great Pele changed how the game was played and inspired children all over the world to start kicking a ball around.
How is Pele doing?
As of December 28, 2022, the Brazilian legend – who is often referred to as the greatest of all time (GOAT) after winning three World Cups – is in the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo.
He was admitted at the end of November 2022.
His family have been by his side since his admittance and regularly post updates to their Instagram to let followers and fans know the latest on their hero.
In particular, his daughter Kely Nascimento, has kept the world informed on Pele’s health.
Such is the love for Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, that she has posted how they are grateful for every single day they get to spend with him.
Just before Christmas she posted that celebrations at home had been cancelled and they were spending the season at the hospital.
And on Boxing Day she shared her praise for the hospital workers who are doing all they can for their father.
She said: “To see our dad being treated by these care professionals, super competent and extremely caring. Not a moment goes by that we forget this privilege. Even in sadness we can only be thankful.”
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Reports emerged from a Brazilian newspaper on December 28, 2022, that the footballer’s treatment was not working and that he had been placed in palliative care.
Many legends of the game have taken the time to send their thoughts and prayers to the Brazilian, including striker Romario who has not seen eye-to-eye with him over the years.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Brazilian squad took time during the tournament to send their best wishes carrying a Pele poster on to the pitch.
On December 3, 2022, Pele released a statement saying he was “strong” and had a “lot of hope”.
He added: “I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received.
“I have a lot of faith in God and every message of love I receive from you all over the world keeps me full of energy. And watch Brazil in the World Cup too!
“Thank you so much for everything.”
What illness does Pele have?
Pele was admitted to hospital at the end of November 2022 when he was suffering from a respiratory infection.
He had been undergoing treatment for some time for colon cancer and had been receiving chemotherapy sessions.
The Brazilian superstar then developed a lung infection as he became weaker due to the ongoing treatment he is receiving.
According to the Associated Press, he had a colon tumour removed in September 2021 but no confirmation has been received as to whether the cancer had spread to other organs.
Is Pele married and how many children does he have?
Pele has been married to Marcia Cibele Aoki since 2016.
The couple married in a small ceremony in Guaruja on the coast of Sao Paulo, after being together for six years.
Pele’s first wife was Rosimeri Cholbi. They married in 1966, but divorced in 1982.
The relationship resulted in three children, Kely, Edinho, and Jennifer.
The striker then went on to marry Assiria Lemos Seixas in 1994.
They had twins Joshua and Celeste, but divorced in 2008.
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Pele surprised many in a Netflix documentary when he revealed he had many affairs and does not truly know how many children has.
He said: “In all honesty I’ve had a few affairs, some of which resulted in children, but I’ve only learned about them later.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
