Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi is best known for being the first wife of football legend Pelé. Their relationship blossomed in the 1960s when they got married, and together, they brought three children into the world, daughters Kely and Jennifer, and son Edinho Nascimento. Although Rosemeri garnered significant attention due to her connection with the iconic soccer player, she maintained a relatively low profile throughout their marriage.
In 1975, the family made a significant move from Brazil to the United States, where they settled in New York City. Despite the distance from their homeland, the couple continued to expand their family with the addition of two more children. However, their relationship eventually dissolved, leading to their divorce in 1982.
Since then, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi has faced personal battles of her own, including receiving treatment for a respiratory infection after being diagnosed with colon cancer. While her personal life and health have been marked by challenges, she remains an important figure in Brazilian sports history as the former spouse of one of the most revered and celebrated soccer players of all time.
Story Stages
Personal Life and Family
Marriage with Pelé
Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, best known as the first wife of Brazilian football legend Pelé, married the sports icon in 1966. Their relationship began as a romance when they were both living in Brazil. Unfortunately, their marriage was tarnished by Pelé’s infidelity, which ultimately led to their divorce in 1982.
Children and Family Dynamics
During their marriage, Rosemeri and Pelé had three children together. Their first daughter, Kelly Cristina, was born in 1967. In 1970, they welcomed a son, Edson (known as Edinho), and later completed their family with the birth of their second daughter, Jennifer. However, Pelé’s private life was plagued with multiple affairs, which significantly impacted the family dynamics.
Throughout his life, Pelé fathered seven kids in total. His other children include Flávia Kurtz from his relationship with Anizia Machado, Celeste Nascimento with his former housekeeper, and Joshua Nascimento with his third wife, Assíria Nascimento. Notably, Pelé also had a romance with Brazilian TV presenter Xuxa Meneghel during his time playing for Santos.
Despite the tumultuous nature of their marriage, Rosemeri continued to raise their children with diligence. Today, the children, Kelly Cristina, Edinho, and Jennifer, have established their own lives and families.
By detailing Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi’s personal life and family dynamics, this section provides a glimpse into the challenges and complexities faced by the first wife of football legend Pelé.
Rosemeri’s Ex-husband’s Career
Pelé’s Football Legacy
Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi’s ex-husband, Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a renowned Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He is prominent in the sporting world for his dynamic playing style and spectacular performances throughout his career. Pelé began playing professional football at the young age of 15, and by 17, he was already representing Brazil in the FIFA World Cup.
His illustrious career saw him participate in four World Cups for Brazil, winning three of them (1958, 1962, and 1970). This extraordinary achievement earned him the title of O Rei (The King) among football fans. Outside of international football, he played for Brazilian club Santos and later joined the New York Cosmos in the United States, where he helped popularize soccer.
Beyond the Field: Ventures and Influences
As Pelé’s fame grew beyond the field, he expanded his career in various ways. Commercial deals and entrepreneurial ventures made him a prominent figure not only in the sporting world but also in the realm of business. Pelé has been involved in numerous advertising campaigns, endorsements, and even a stint as a gospel singer.
In 2016, his life and career were documented in a Netflix documentary titled “Pelé: Birth of a Legend,” in which his influence on the sport and Brazilian culture were explored. The former soccer player has also authored an autobiography detailing his life and experiences in the world of sport.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Pelé’s personal life has been extensively documented. Rosemeri was the first of his three wives, and together, they had three children: Kely, Edson (nicknamed Edinho), and Sandra Regina Machado. His second marriage to Assiria Lemos Seixas ended in divorce, and he later married Marcia Aoki in 2016.
Pelé had a high-profile romantic relationship with Brazilian television host Xuxa, garnering significant public attention. Furthermore, his philanthropic endeavors have been widely recognized, including supporting numerous charitable organizations and using his influence to promote social causes.
In summary, Pelé, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi’s ex-husband, is a legendary soccer player with a lasting impact on the sport and an extensive array of ventures and accomplishments beyond the field. His life has been the subject of numerous documentaries, biographies, and media coverage, attesting to his legacy as an influential figure in the world of soccer and beyond.
Health, Legal Issues and Legacy
Health Challenges and Battles
Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi faced several health challenges throughout her life. Her ex-husband, the legendary soccer player Pelé, battled colon cancer, which garnered significant attention and concern. In an interview, the Brazilian icon discussed his passion for life and resilience despite his health issues.
Legal Disputes and Recognition
Over the years, Rosemeri has been involved in legal disputes regarding Pelé’s net worth, especially during their divorce and in relation to their children. One major controversy arose when journalist Lenita Kurtz alleged that she had an affair with the soccer star during his marriage to Rosemeri. Later on, this led to a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child born out of the alleged relationship. Pelé’s affairs with other women also generated controversies, putting Rosemeri in the spotlight while fighting legal battles in court.
Legal Disputes Overview:
- Divorce and Children: Rosemeri was involved in legal disputes regarding her children and finances during the divorce proceedings.
- Paternity Test: The controversy surrounding the alleged affair with Lenita Kurtz led to a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child.
- Affair Allegations: Rosemeri faced public scrutiny due to Pelé’s alleged affairs with other women during their marriage.
Rosemeri’s legacy remains intertwined with Pelé’s illustrious career. As the first wife of the Brazilian football legend, she contributed to his personal life and public image, despite the challenges they both encountered in their relationship. Through health problems, legal disputes, and public controversies, Rosemeri has maintained her dignity and respect as an important figure in the life of one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
