The 82-year-old Pelé was operated on for cancer in September 2021 and on Tuesday he was hospitalized in São Paulo.

His daughter daughter Kely Nascimento was quick to write on Instagram that there is no danger to the 82-year-old's health, but that her father was only hospitalized to have his cancer medication regulated.

The football legend has received encouraging messages from around the world, including from Brazil captain Tite, who is with the national team at the World Cup in Qatar, and from World Cup organisers.

"It's always nice to get positive messages like this," Pelé writes on Instagram next to a picture showing a building in Qatar displaying messages wishing Pelé a speedy recovery.

"Thank you to Qatar for this tribute and to everyone who sends me well wishes," the message continued.

Surgery removed a tumor

In December last year, Pelé was hospitalized for treatment of an intestinal tumor.

The hospital then stated that his condition was stable and that he was expected to be discharged within a few days.

Two months earlier, a tumor was removed from the right part of the colon, and he was hospitalized for almost a month.

Pelé is considered by many to be the best soccer player of all time, and among other things won World Cup gold in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

CUT: World Cup 1958 in Sweden: Pelé's first World Cup goal

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be enabled to play video

Read more about browser support

Brazil's Pelé scores his first World Cup goal, just 17 years old.

3-1 against Sweden in the final which Brazil would win 5-2.

Photo: Archive