Three-time World Cup winning Brazil legend Pele seriously ill in hospital amid cancer battle

Football legend Pele is seriously ill in hospital amid an ongoing battle with cancer.

The 82-year-old three-time World Cup winner, real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was taken to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, as reported by ESPN Brazil.

Doctors have said Pele is suffering from swelling “all over his body”, as well as heart issues.

It has also been reported that his recent cancer treatment appears to be ineffective, and his condition has been described as “worsening”.

The former Brazil forward, considered one of the greatest to play the game, scored a double in the 1958 World Cup final when he was just 17 years old to help the South American nation win their first title and kick-off a period of domination in the international scene that has never been matched.

He also scored a hat-trick in the semi-final as a new star was born.

The Samba stars won it again in 1962 and 1970, with Pele a key figure in all three of the successes.

Brazil have won another two since and remain the only country to win five world titles.

He scored over 600 goals for Santos in Brazil and 77 in 92 caps for the national team.