Brazilian legend Pele hospitalised in Paris

Brazil football legend Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday, although he is not in a life-threatening condition, RMC Sport reported on its website.

The 78-year-old was admitted to hospital “as a precaution”, suffering from a high fever after attending a social function in the French capital with French soccer player Kylian Mbappe, RMC Sport said.

A representative for Pele in Brazil could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pele, revered by many as soccer’s greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17.

Mbappe was one of the stars of last year’s tournament in Russia and became the youngest player to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.

Pele tweeted at the time: “If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again.”

Mbappe responded to that saying: “The King will always remain King.”

Pele remained in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, RMC added.

Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele’s health, French media said.