Pele’s Will Names Woman Whose Mother Allegedly Had an Affair with Him in the 1980s, Entitling Her to a Share of His Fortune

Maria do Socorro Azevedo is attempting to prove her connection to the late soccer legend Pele by undergoing a DNA test. She claims that her mother had a fling with the World Cup champion in the 1980s, and his will mentions her as a potential heir. Pele’s stepdaughter Gemima Lemos McMahon is also vying for a piece of the estate, which is estimated to be worth between £12 million and £75 million.

The three-time World Cup winner was renowned for his remarkable talent, having burst onto the global scene as a 17-year-old in 1958 and helping Brazil to their first of five victories. He also won the World Cup in 1962 and 1966, and returned to lead Brazil to their third win in Mexico in 1970. Pele’s official FIFA website records 1,281 goals scored throughout his career.