Brazilian football legend Pelé, considered one of the all-time greats in football, is reportedly receiving palliative care as he is no longer responding to chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer.

Palliative care is given to patients with life-threatening conditions or diseases and is considered to be end-of-life care.

Chemotherapy treatment had been suspended and Pelé was under palliative care, being treated only for symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath, according to the Brazilian daily Folha de S. Paulo.

The 82-year-old, who had a colon tumour removed last year, was admitted to the hospital Tuesday in Sao Paulo to re-evaluate his cancer treatment and later diagnosed with a respiratory infection, according to medical reports.

"Pelé is being treated with antibiotics. His response has been adequate and the patient, who remains in a regular bedroom, is stable, with an overall improvement in his health condition," Hospital Albert Einstein said in a statement on Friday.

The three-time World Cup winner thanked fans in an Instagram post late Thursday for the well-wishes he's received in a fight against cancer. He had a colon tumour removed in September 2021 and has since gone through chemotherapy.

Neither the hospital nor his family has said whether the former footballer's cancer has spread to other organs. He has checked in with the hospital every month.

Brazilian fans showed their support for Pelé during the national team's 1-0 loss to Cameroon at the World Cup Friday.

Fans in Qatar displayed a banner with the image of Pelé holding a football behind one of the goals at the Lusail Stadium. They also opened a large flag with an image of the Brazil great and the words: "Pelé. Get well soon."

Another large image of Pelé could be seen on a building near the venue, along with the messages "get well soon" and "we love Pelé."

In the pre-match news conference Thursday, Brazil coach Tite said the entire team wanted to wish good health to Pelé from Qatar.

Pelé helped Brazil win the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups and remains the team's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches.