Brazilian footballer Pelé will no longer be speaking on Monday at the Cambridge Union, after collapsing from exhaustion on Thursday morning.

The news comes just one week after the Union’s Lent termcard was released.

The 77-year-old three-time World Cup champion was the one of the biggest names announced by the Union for Lent Term, among a line-up which includes Orlando Bloom and US General Michael Flynn.

The Union has confirmed that the event is being rescheduled for March.

In a statement, Union president Jonah Surkes said: “Pelé has cancelled his entire visit to London this weekend, including all other public and private engagements, after he collapsed from exhaustion in Brazil. Unfortunately, speakers often postpone their visits for personal reasons, although both Pelé and the Union remain excited for a future visit. We wish him a speedy recovery as he recovers in hospital.

“We are planning on hosting Pelé at a later date, hopefully in March. This is of course subject to his recovery. Keep close attention to our Facebook page for further announcements.”

Pelé was also due to attend a dinner with former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks at the Football Writers’ Association in London on the night before his Union appearance.

Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is still due to speak this evening, followed by James Blunt on Wednesday