The Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paolo which is treating Pele said in a statement that he had a "brief breathing stability" issue Thursday night that necessitated that he be in "semi-intensive care." The hospital did not elaborate on further details, but said that he is in stable condition and "continues recovering."

On Tuesday after his surgery, he was removed from intensive care. Pele's surgery occurred on September 4. Doctors found the tumor during a routine check-up in August. The soccer legend won three World Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970 and is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 games.