BREAKING UPDATE: On December 29, 2022, it has been reported that soccer legend Pelé has passed away. As the New York Post reported, Pelé “rivaled Muhammad Ali as the world’s most popular and recognizable athlete.” He died on the Thursday after Christmas at a Sao Paulo, Brazil hospital.
As At The Buzzer previously reported, 82-year-old Brazilian soccer star, Pelé, unfortunately, spent the holidays by himself after learning that his colon cancer is progressing.
In a statement released on Wednesday, doctors confirmed that the retired athlete was facing “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions” related to his colon cancer battle, catalyzing more specialized care from professionals at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
At the beginning of December, the soccer legend announced on social media that he was having a routine screening at the hospital, but unfortunately detected the progression of his cancer. However, he went on to thank the fans that sent him love and support.
“Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit. It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this. Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me a good vibe,” Pelé began in a statement released on Instagram.
“I’m strong, with a lot of hope and I follow my treatment as usual. I want to thank the entire medical and nursing team for all the care I have received,” the 82-year-old continued. “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.”
Due to his ongoing condition, he was transferred to a palliative care unit in the middle of December and spent the holidays in a medical care facility.
Pelé’s family reveals their supportive holiday plan
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“We decided with the doctors that, for various reasons, it would be better for us to stay here with all the care that this new family at Einstein gives us!!,” Kely Nascimento, daughter of Pelé, wrote on Instagram.
After announcing that his Christmas was surrounded by family in the hospital, she added the sentiments, “We, as always, thank you for all the love you show us here in Brazil as well as around the world! Your love for him and your stories and prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.”
Nascimento also shared that Pelé’s family had plans to make caipirinhas during their holiday celebration, Brazil’s national cocktail. “We wish everyone who celebrates a Christmas that is filled with family, full of children, some fighting 
