Brazilian soccer legend Pele is in a stable condition after he was admitted to hospital on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment, the hospital said on Wednesday.

“After medical evaluation, the patient was taken to a common room, with no need for admission in a semi-intensive care unit,” the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo said.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele in Stockholm, Sweden, on 15 August 2012 before a friendly between Sweden and Brazil. (Photo: EPA / Fredrik Sandberg)

Pele’s daughter, Kely Nascimento, had said on Instagram that there was “no surprise or emergency” regarding Pele’s condition.

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“Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad’s health,” Nascimento wrote. “There is no emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures.”

Read in Daily Maverick: “Pele transferred out of intensive care, says hospital”

Nascimento’s remarks on Instagram followed an ESPN Brasil report that Pele had been admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital with “general swelling” and was undergoing several tests for a more in-depth assessment of his health issues.

Pele (right) of Brazil and Kalle Svensson of Sweden compete for the same ball during the 1958 World Cup final in Stockholm. Brazil won 5-2. (Photo: Allsport / Hulton)

The 82-year-old had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has since been in and out of the hospital regularly for treatment.

ESPN Brasil reported that Pele was having cardiac problems and his medical staff were concerned that his chemotherapy treatment was not having the expected results.

Pele’s manager did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters/DM