Football legend Pele is well and alive; death rumours are fake

Hyderabad: Reports that football legend Pelé is unwell is doing the rounds of social media. The 82-year-old Pelé was hospitalized for a week to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by Covid-19.

Amid this, some social media users are claiming that the Brazilian football legend has died.

A Facebook user posted a photo of Pelé and wrote, "Brazilian legend Pelé is no more. Rest in PEACE."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and labelled "the greatest" by FIFA, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century.

Keep scrolling to know the truth.

FACT CHECK

NewsMeter performed a keyword search to find media reports reporting about Pelé but found no reports about his demise. According to the latest report by Zee News, dated 7 December 2022, "Brazil football legend Pele's health is improving and he has "no new complications" said the doctors on Tuesday."

Mint also reported that Pele's condition is stable now. "Pele is doing well and has "no new complications", according to physicians on December 6. The three-time world cup champion has been receiving medical care for a week to manage a lung illness that COVID-19 made worse. The 82-year-old Brazilian legend is receiving chemotherapy while simultaneously battling cancer. He's expected to be discharged when he's fully recovered," the report said.

Lastly, we found an Instagram post on Pele's official account with a note from Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital on Pelé's health dated 4 December 2022. The note explained that he is undergoing treatment and is stable.

In the caption to the note, Pele wrote, '"My friends, I want to keep everyone calm and positive. 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. 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."

It is clear that the rumors are just rumors. Our hero is still alive and kicking.

Hence, the claim is false.