When football history is told, Pelé’s name shines as one of the brightest. Yet, behind the global icon was a woman who played an integral role in his personal life during the height of his fame. Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi, Pelé’s first wife, lived a life intertwined with one of the greatest sports legacies while maintaining her own quiet dignity. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an enduring influence on the family she helped raise.
Early Life and Marriage to Pelé
Born in Brazil, Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi is now in her late seventies, though she has largely kept her early years away from public view. She first came into the spotlight in the mid-1960s when she met Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known to the world as Pelé. At that time, Pelé was already a football sensation, having lifted the FIFA World Cup twice with Brazil.
On February 21, 1966, the couple married in a vibrant ceremony in Brazil, a celebration that drew media attention nationwide. This was more than just a union between two people—it was a merging of private love with a public icon. The marriage lasted 16 years, a considerable span in the world of celebrity relationships, especially under the pressure of global fame.
Building a Family
During their marriage, Rosemeri and Pelé welcomed three children, each of whom followed their own path while carrying the family’s legacy. Their first child, Kely Cristina, was born in January 1967 and went on to work in sports diplomacy and advocate for gender equality in soccer. Their second child, Edson—named after his father—was born in 1970. He pursued football for a time before moving into coaching. Their youngest, Jennifer, was born in 1978 and chose to live a more private life, away from the constant public gaze.
Raising three children in the midst of Pelé’s demanding career was no small task. Rosemeri was the anchor at home, managing the family’s private life while Pelé’s career took him across continents. Her ability to create a sense of normalcy in a home constantly touched by fame became one of her defining roles.
Life in the Public Eye
While Rosemeri preferred a private life, there were moments when she stepped into the spotlight alongside Pelé. One memorable instance came in 1973 when she attended an event where she dined with Pelé, then-U.S. President Richard Nixon, and PepsiCo CEO Donald Kendall. Such moments placed her in circles few experience, highlighting the unique environment in which she lived during her marriage.
Still, the majority of her influence came away from cameras and microphones. Her support for Pelé was more evident in the stability she maintained at home, ensuring the family’s life remained grounded despite constant media attention.
Challenges and Personal Strength
Being married to a global sports icon brought its challenges. Pelé’s career meant long periods apart and constant media speculation. The most public strain on their marriage came when Pelé, in his 2021 Netflix documentary, admitted to infidelities during their relationship. He also reflected on feeling too young when they married.
Rosemeri’s response to such revelations was marked by dignity. While the details could have led to a public feud, she chose to handle matters privately. This approach kept the focus on their children and the respect they maintained for each other even after the marriage ended.
Divorce and Life After Pelé
The couple divorced in the early 1980s after 16 years together. Unlike many celebrity separations, theirs was not defined by public disputes. Instead, they managed to co-parent effectively, ensuring their children’s well-being remained a priority.
After the divorce, Rosemeri stepped away from the media almost entirely. She has since lived a low-profile life, with very little public record of her personal or professional activities. This privacy stands in stark contrast to the world of celebrity spouses who often continue to seek public attention.
Family and Net Worth
Rosemeri’s personal net worth is not publicly documented, though her years with Pelé likely afforded her financial stability. Pelé himself, before his passing in December 2022, had amassed an estimated net worth exceeding $100 million USD through football, endorsements, and business ventures. While Rosemeri’s own wealth remains private, her greatest legacy is her role as mother and guiding presence in the lives of her three children.
Today, her children remain connected to Pelé’s legacy, each in their own way. Kely has taken on public advocacy roles, Edson has contributed to football as a coach, and Jennifer has chosen a quieter path. Rosemeri’s influence is visible in their grounded approach to life despite growing up in extraordinary circumstances.
Legacy and Influence
Rosemeri’s life story is not defined solely by her marriage to Pelé but also by the values she instilled in her children and the grace with which she navigated life in the shadow of global fame. She demonstrated that support, understanding, and resilience are as essential to a family’s success as any public accolade.
Even in the rare moments when she appeared in public, her presence was one of quiet elegance. While Pelé’s fame ensured their family’s name was always in the headlines, Rosemeri ensured that home remained a place of stability and love.