When we talk about the world of football, one name that stands out is Pelé, a Brazilian football legend. However, little is known about Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, the woman who shared a significant part of his life. This article will shed light on Rosemeri’s life, her marriage to Pelé, and the life she led.
Who is Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi?
Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, born in 1942 in Brazil, is best known as the first wife of legendary footballer Pelé. The couple married in 1966 and had three children: Kelly Cristina, Edson (“Edinho”), and Jennifer. In 1975, they relocated to New York City, but their marriage faced challenges, leading to their divorce in 1982. Rosemeri has largely maintained a private life since then, focusing on raising her children away from the public eye.
Early Life and Background
Details about Rosemeri’s early life and background are scanty. What we do know is that she comes from Brazil, like her famous ex-husband. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Pelé, catapulting her into the limelight of the football world. This would not have been easy to navigate, especially in the 1960s and 70s, a period when media scrutiny could be relentless.
Marriage to Pelé: A Football Legend
On February 21, 1966, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi married Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. He was already a football sensation, having won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 1958 and 1962. By marrying him, Rosemeri was thrust into the limelight, a role she handled with grace and dignity.
Together, they had three children: Kely Cristina born in 1967, Edson, nicknamed ‘Edinho’, born in 1970, and Jennifer, born in 1978. Their children have carried forward their father’s legacy in different ways, with Edinho even following in his father’s footsteps into the world of football.
Although their marriage ended in 1982, the couple’s relationship was a significant aspect of Pelé’s life. In a career that spanned two decades, it’s easy to see how Rosemeri was a pillar of support for him. Their marriage coincided with some of Pelé’s best years on the football field, including his third World Cup win in 1970.
While not much is known about Rosemeri’s feelings and experiences during her marriage to Pelé, it’s clear that she played a crucial role in his life. As the wife of one of the most famous footballers in the world, she would have had to deal with the pressures and challenges that come with such a position. But through it all, she remained a constant in Pelé’s life, providing a stable home and family in the midst of his frenzied football career.
Public Appearances and Notable Events
Rosemeri may have been a private individual, but her marriage to Pelé meant that she had to occasionally step into the public eye. One of the most memorable instances was their visit to the White House on May 8, 1973. They were guests of U.S. President Richard Nixon, an event that was widely covered by the media.
Being the wife of a global football icon, Rosemeri was often seen accompanying Pelé to various public events and football matches. Despite the constant media attention, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor, always supportive of her husband’s soaring career.
Family Life: Children and Legacy
One of the most significant parts of Rosemeri’s life was her role as a mother. She and Pelé had three children together: Kely Cristina, Edson, and Jennifer. Each child has, in their way, carried forward the legacy of their famous father.
Edson, also known as ‘Edinho’, even followed his father’s path into the world of football. Kely and Jennifer, while not as public figures as their brother, have also made their own marks in their respective fields.
Throughout their upbringing, Rosemeri ensured that her children were well-grounded, despite their father’s fame. She worked to provide a normal family environment, instilling in them the values of humility and hard work.
The Divorce: Life After Pelé
After 16 years of marriage, Rosemeri and Pelé decided to part ways in 1982. The end of their marriage was a significant change for Rosemeri, who had spent a significant part of her life in the public eye due to her husband’s fame. Yet, she handled this transition with the same dignity and grace that had characterized her years with Pelé.
After the divorce, Rosemeri chose to step away from the limelight. She moved to the United States, where she could live a quieter life, away from the constant media attention in Brazil. Despite the end of their marriage, Rosemeri maintained a respectful relationship with Pelé, especially for the sake of their children.
Life after Pelé was a new chapter for Rosemeri. She proved that she was not just the ex-wife of a football legend, but a woman of strength and resilience in her own right. The journey wasn’t always easy, but Rosemeri navigated it with courage and determination, setting a powerful example for her children and those who knew her.
Life in the United States
Following her divorce from Pelé in 1982, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi made a significant life change. She decided to move to the United States, where she sought a quieter, more private life, away from the constant media glare that had been part of her life in Brazil. It was a brave step, showing her determination to carve out a new life for herself.
Living in the United States gave Rosemeri the chance to start afresh. While we don’t know much about her life post-divorce, we do know that she valued her privacy. This move allowed her to step out of Pelé’s large shadow and live life on her own terms. It was a bold step, a testament to her strength and resilience.
Rosemeri’s Influence and Legacy
Rosemeri may not have been a public figure like her ex-husband, but she left a profound impact on the lives of those around her. As the mother of Pelé’s three children, she played a crucial role in their upbringing. Even in the face of her husband’s global fame, she ensured her children remained grounded.
The values of humility and hard work that Rosemeri instilled in her children have carried them through their lives. Her son, Edson, even followed his father’s path into football, carrying forward the family’s legacy in the sport. Her daughters, Kely and Jennifer, have also made their marks in their respective fields. Her influence is still felt today through her children’s achievements.
Conclusion: Remembering Rosemeri Dos Reis Cholbi
Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi is a woman who deserves recognition in her own right, not just as the ex-wife of a football legend. Her life was marked by significant events, from her marriage to Pelé to raising three children in the glare of public attention, and eventually seeking a quieter life in the United States.
Despite the challenges she faced, Rosemeri navigated her life with grace, dignity, and resilience. She showed that you could stand strong in the face of adversity and make your own path. In doing so, she set a powerful example not just for her children but for all those who knew her. As we remember Rosemeri, we celebrate a woman of strength, who lived life on her terms and left a lasting legacy.
