Messages of support for the great Brazilian Pele were sent from around the world while the three-time World Cup winner was being treated in hospital.
The 82-year-old was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, saying it was a routine monthly visit.
However, a report in Brazil, which has not been confirmed by the BBC, says he is now starting hospice care after failing to respond to chemotherapy.
“Pray for the king,” French striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted.
The three-time World Cup winner had a tumor removed from his colon in September 2021 and has since received regular treatment.
Pele was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and on Friday, Sao Paulo Hospital, Albert Einstein said he is in stable condition.
Speaking on Saturday, England captain Harry Kane said: “We are saddened to hear that he is ill but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England team. He is the source. inspirational, extraordinary person.”
Former World Cup-winning German striker Jurgen Klinsmann, speaking on BBC One’s World Cup coverage on Saturday, said: “Pele is a wonderful person. Outstanding personality of world football. We can only pray and hope for the best, but that’s very unlikely.” bad news.”
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta added on BBC One: “So sad to hear the news about Pele. He’s been a real inspiration to all of us, on and off the pitch. He’s always been a man. great.”
World Cup host Qatar showed its support for Pele on Saturday, lighting up buildings with the message “Get well soon”.
Lusail Stadium in Doha, which will host the World Cup final on December 18, and the Aspire Tower next to Khalifa Stadium, are emblazoned with an image of Pele in his famous No.
Concerns were initially raised on Wednesday when ESPN Brasil reported Pele had been hospitalized, with his daughter Kely Nascimento saying there was “no emergency” involved.
Pele thanked his blessings on Friday for sending “nice vibes” and said his hospital stay was “a routine visit”.
The former striker is the all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 77 goals in 92 games and scoring in four World Cups.
Santos, his only Brazilian club, tweeted: “The whole world wishes you well, King Pele”.
