The world was rocked by the passing of football icon and Brazilian superstar, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly referred to as Pele, on December 29, 2022, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
He passed away at 82 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, surrounded by his family, about a week after the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which Argentina won.
Pele was celebrated globally as the only person to win three FIFA World Cup trophies when he led Brazil to victory in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
At the time of his death, the legend had seven children and six grandchildren but two more have since been uncovered, including one recently revealed by his will.
Pele's will reveals 'secret daughter'
As exclusively reported by Daily Star, Maria do Socorro Azevedo was listed in Pele's will as a possible daughter after the soccer icon had an illicit affair with a woman in the 1980s.
He never disclosed the daughter's identity to his family during his life but apportioned a share of his fortunes to her, provided DNA tests were conclusive.
Mirror UK reports that Pele's wealth was estimated at £12 million when he died but reports in Brazil suggest the amount is closer to £75 mil.
Family lawyer, Augusto Miglioli reportedly confirmed Maria's acknowledgement. He revealed that her portion of the fortune would be rightly reserved for her if paternity tests proved she is an heir of the departed star.
The process for the paternity recognition was said to have been started last year before Pele's death and the Sao Paulo State Public Defender did notify him, but his deteriorating health prevented the DNA test from going ahead at the time.
Pele's stepdaughter, Gemima Lemos MacMahon, from his marriage to his last wife Marcia Aoki, has also reportedly filed to be an heir and thus be entitled to a share of his estate.
Pele acknowledges late daughter Sandra
Sports Brief previously reported on Pele acknowledging daughter, Sandra Regina in his will despite denying he fathered her during her lifetime.
She was born after an affair with a housemaid in 1963 but efforts to have the icon accept her as his daughter before she passed proved futile.
However, Pele went on to name Sandra in his will and his two sons, whom he met before he passed, will be given her share of his estate.
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