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DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The image of a young Pelé celebrating goals and lifting trophies with Brazil’s national team appeared brightly on the shirts, flags and banners of Brazilian fans gathering before the Seleçao’s World Cup match against South Korea on Monday.
The 82-year-old Pelé remained in a hospital in Sao Paulo, recovering from a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19. The news coming from Brazil early Monday was good, as two daughters and one grandson of the soccer great said he was not under an imminent risk of death.
It was reason for celebration for the many Brazilians who have been cheering for the Selecao and showing their support to Pelé in Qatar.
“We are all happy to hear that he is getting better,” 35-year-old Brazil fan Raphael Bissonho said. “He’s the King of Football, our biggest symbol in soccer. He represents Brazil as best as anyone. Let’s hope that soon he is out of the hospital and showing us a photo of him watching the national team on the television.”
Pelé had a colon tumor removed last year, but neither his family nor the hospital have said whether it had spread.
A few thousand people were at the Brazilian fans' gathering point in Doha on Monday to cheer for the team in the match against South Korea in the round of 16. Many would be heading to Stadium 974 to watch the game.
“Everyone is thinking and talking about him,” said 44-year-old Alexandre Carola, a Santos fan who traveled from Sao Paulo to watch Brazil play. “We are here, praying and hoping that he can recover as soon as possible. And I’m sure that when he watches the match on TV and sees this movement to wish him well, to send him this energy, I’m sure that it will give him more strength to get better and soon return home to his family and friends.”
Fans planned a round of applause to Pelé just before the match, and were expected to open a large banner with his image behind one of the goals in the 10th minute of both halves at Stadium 974. It would be a reference to the No. 10 jersey that he used to wear. In the image on the banner, Pelé will be shown with the white No. 10 shirt that he wore while playing for Brazilian club Santos.
There also was a show of support before the game against Cameroon last week, after news came out that Pelé had been hospitalized.
There were tributes to Pelé put together by tournament organizers in Qatar, as well, including messages of support displayed on building facades. During a drone show at Doha bay, a large Brazilian flag with the No. 10 on it was displayed, along with the message “Get well soon, Pelé.”
Pelé won three World Cups with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970. The Selecao also won the title in 1994 and 2002.
Pelé holds the record for goals in officials matches with Brazil with 77, two more than Neymar, who is expected to return from a right ankle injury in the team’s game against South Korea.
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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports