5 Health Conditions that Affected Pele Throughout His Career
Pele, the legendary football player, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He won three World Cups during his career and scored a staggering 1,281 goals in 1,363 games. However, despite his incredible success, Pele battled with several health conditions that affected him throughout his career. In this article, we will explore 5 health conditions that affected Pele and how he overcame them.
1. Herniated Disc
Pele suffered from a herniated disc during the 1962 World Cup, which forced him to miss several matches. He had to endure a lot of pain and discomfort and had to undergo treatment to relieve the symptoms. However, he returned to the tournament and helped Brazil win the title.
2. Anemia
In 1970, Pele was diagnosed with anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. This condition left him feeling tired and weak. Pele had to undergo treatment and change his diet to include more iron-rich foods, such as meat, fish, and leafy vegetables.
3. Asthma
Pele suffered from asthma throughout his career, which could sometimes affect his performance on the field. He had to use an inhaler regularly to relieve the symptoms and manage the condition. Despite this, Pele continued to play at the highest level and inspire millions of people around the world.
4. Malaria
Pele contracted malaria during a trip to Africa in 1969. This caused him to miss several important matches, and he had to undergo treatment to overcome the illness. The experience taught Pele about the importance of taking preventive measures against diseases, such as using mosquito nets and taking antimalarial medication.
5. Hip Injury
Towards the end of his career, Pele suffered a hip injury that many experts thought would end his career. He had to undergo surgery and extensive rehabilitation to overcome the injury. However, Pele was determined to return to the field and eventually recovered to play his final match in 1977.
In conclusion, Pele overcame several health conditions throughout his career, including a herniated disc, anemia, asthma, malaria, and a hip injury. These experiences taught him the importance of taking care of his health and inspired millions of people around the world to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face. Pele’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of determination, perseverance, and hard work in achieving greatness.
