Kane and Mbappé send best wishes to Pele amid reports football legend receiving end-of-life care

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have both responded to reports of Pele's ill health. Credit: AP/PA

Footballers have issued messages of support following reports that Brazil legend Pelé is receiving end-of-life care.

The 82-year-old has been moved to palliative care after becoming unresponsive to chemotherapy in his battle with cancer, according to reports in Brazil.

News outlet Folha reported that the former Brazil international’s chemotherapy has been suspended and he is now undergoing measures aimed at relieving pain and a shortness of breath.

Tagging Pelé's Twitter account in his post, France forward Kylian Mbappé wrote: "Pray for the King".

England captain Harry Kane, speaking ahead of the last-16 match against Senegal on Sunday, said the team was sending its best wishes to Pelé and his family.

He said: “He is an inspiration among our game. He’s an incredible footballer, incredible person.

“We are very sad to hear news of him being ill but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up.”

Pelé, considered football’s first world superstar, has been receiving treatment for colon cancer. He underwent surgery to remove a tumour during September 2021.

A couple of days ago, his daughter Kely Nascimento responded to reports her father had been admitted to hospital by stating there was no “new dire prediction”.

On Thursday evening, a post on Pelé’s Instagram account also looked to allay any serious worries.

Attached to a photograph of a ‘get well soon’ message displayed on buildings at the World Cup in Qatar, the Brazil great wrote: “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 good vibes!”

A Brazil fan holds a replica World Cup trophy over a picture of former player Pele at the World Cup in Qatar. Credit: PA

Pelé burst onto the global scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.

Injury affected his contribution to the 1962 and 1966 finals, but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time.

Officially, Pelé scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.

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