The 72-year-old went under the knife in the Albert Einstein Hospital after originally attending an appointment for routine tests as a way of renewing his health insurance.

His advisor Jose Ovens, who goes by the name of 'Pepito', revealed that the surgery had been successful and it was likely that the three-time World Cup winner would be discharged on Wednesday.

"Everything went very well. It was a very simple surgery. He will probably be discharged tomorrow," he told Globo Esporte.

Pele will be hoping to be back on his feet soon as he continues travelling the world and promoting the 2014 World Cup in his home country.

Pele won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970.