Mbappe pays tribute to Pele and calls for prayers

France striker Kylian Mbappe called for, on social media, a prayer for Brazilian ex-footballer Pele, who has been in hospital since last Tuesday because of a respiratory infection.

"Pray for the King", one of the World Cup's biggest stars said, together with some emojis, before playing this Sunday's clash against Poland.

Pele, 82, is in the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, where he will remain until the end of his treatment.

The three-time World Cup winner was taken in to hospital last Tuesday for a check-up in his treatment for his colon cancer which was diagnosed in September 2021.

Since they operated on him for the cancer, he has undertaken a cycle of chemotherapy which has had him in hospital several times.

Pele's health has deterioated in the last few years for other reasons, such as back, hip and knee problems which have reduced his mobility and have forced him into surgery, as well as suffering a kidney failure.

December 3, 2022