Funviralpark The family of Brazilian football superstar Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, gathered by his hospital bed on Christmas Eve as he faced health problems.
The 82-year-old former forward was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021. Earlier this week, São Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital said in a statement that colon cancer had progressed and Pele was undergoing “advanced treatment” for “malfunctioning” kidneys and heart. .”
His daughter Kelly Nascimento posted a picture to Instagram on Saturday showing the family sleeping beside him in the hospital.
“We still fight here and have faith. Another night together,” she captioned the image.
His son Edson Cholbi Nascimento, a coach and former player known as Edinho, also posted a picture from the hospital on Saturday, showing father and son holding hands.
“Dad…my power is yours,” he captioned the post.
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Brazilian supporters pose for a photo with Pele’s flag before the FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Cameroon in Lusail, Qatar, December 2, 2022.
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Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele set the Guinness World Record for career goals with 1,279 goals in 1,363 games between 7 September 1956 and 1 October 1977. is holding World Cup.
Pele officially announced his retirement from football in 1974, but decided to continue playing and joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League before retiring in 1977.
A Brazilian fan holds up a banner with an image of former player Pele ahead of the World Cup match in Doha, Qatar on December 2, 2022.
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FIFA awarded Pele and Argentina’s Diego Maradona a joint award in December 2000, naming them both Players of the Century. The International Olympic Committee named him Athlete of the Century in 1999.
This August 6, 1987 file photo shows Brazilian soccer champion Pele.
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In this April 4, 2001 file photo, Brazilian football legend Pele plays with a soccer ball in Cannes, France.
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After retiring from football, he was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994, becoming the first athlete to receive that honor. He was appointed UN Ambassador for Ecology and the Environment in his 1992 year.
Pele has been married three times and has seven children.
