Pelé, the iconic Brazilian soccer player, is recognized as one of the greatest athletes ever. But beyond his legendary career, the “King of Football” was also a father of seven.
His children came from different relationships over the years, and their stories offer a unique insight into Pelé’s life and his enduring legacy in the world of sports and beyond.
All About Pelé’s 7 kids:
Kely Nascimento:
Kely, born in 1967, is Pelé’s oldest child from his marriage to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi. She’s a woman who carries her father’s legacy of inspiration forward, but with her own twist.
Deeply aware of sports’ power to transform, Kely co-founded the Nascimento Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment through sports and arts.
Kely travels the globe advocating for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and breaking down barriers. In 2022, she even gave a TEDx Talk about trailblazing women in soccer! Beyond work, she’s a doting mom of four.
Flávia Nascimento
Flávia, born in 1968, arrived during an affair Pelé had while still married to Rosemeri. She’s carved out a successful career far from the spotlight, working within Brazil’s healthcare system.
Currently, she’s an advisory counselor at a top-ranked specialized hospital and also serves on the board of the Little Prince Hospital.
Sandra Regina Machado
Sandra, sadly, is no longer with us. Her story is more complex. Born in 1963, she was the result of an affair between Pelé and Anisia Machado. Pelé denied her as his daughter for many years, even refusing a DNA test. Sandra eventually took him to court and won. In 1996 she could finally use her father’s surname.
Sandra’s story didn’t end in reconciliation, however. She wrote a book, “The Daughter the King Didn’t Want,” and even sued Pelé for increased financial support. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 2006, leaving behind a husband and two children.
Edinho Nascimento:
Pelé’s first son, Edinho, arrived in 1970, also with Rosemeri. Unlike his sisters, he followed Pelé directly onto the pitch, playing as a professional goalkeeper. Edinho’s career hit a major roadblock in 2005 when he was arrested for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. Though always denying the claims, he admitted to past struggles with addiction.
After serving time, Edinho has returned to the soccer world, coaching several Brazilian teams. He recently landed a head coach position at Londrina, continuing the family’s association with the sport.
Jennifer Nascimento:
Jennifer, born in 1978 to Pelé and Rosemeri, is the most private of Pelé’s children. Unlike her siblings, she’s chosen a life away from the public eye. Information about her is scarce, reflecting her choice for a quieter path.
Joshua & Celeste:
Born in 1996 during Pelé’s marriage to Assiria Lemos Seixas, twins Joshua and Celeste are his youngest.
- Joshua: Like Edinho, Joshua played soccer, even for the same club, Santos. He now lives in the U.S., where he played for the University of Tampa. With a degree in exercise physiology, he coaches youth soccer in Florida.
- Celeste: Celeste also keeps her life private. She occasionally appears on her siblings’ social media, suggesting a close-knit bond within the family.
FAQs
Did Pelé acknowledge all his children?
No, sadly, most famously in the case of Sandra.
How many of Pelé’s children played soccer?
Two, Edinho and Joshua.
What does Kely Nascimento do?
She’s an activist, focusing on sports, arts, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
