Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mar 27 (EFE).- A Brazilian court on Wednesday determined that Maria do Socorro Azevedo, a woman who claimed to be the daughter of Pele, had no biological relation with the late football legend, Augusto Miglioli, a lawyer for Pele’s family, told EFE.

Azevedo underwent two tests to compare her DNA with the genetic material of Pelé’s children at the end of last year.

One of those tests turned out to be negative and another partially inconclusive, prompting the court to deny Azevedo’s claim and reject the request for a new test.

Miglioli said that Azevedo’s defense intended to request an exhumation of the body of the former soccer player, who died in 2022, to carry out the examination, something that the court determined “unnecessary” given the tests had already been carried out.

In his will, Pele admitted that he could have one more heir in addition to his widow, Marcia Aoki, and his six children and two grandchildren, and when Azevedo initiated the action to determine the alleged paternity, the ‘king of soccer’ agreed to submit to a DNA test, but ended up dying before taking the test.

Azevedo can still appeal the court’s decision to access a portion of the inheritance, which, according to Augusto Miglioli, the attorney for three of Pele’s children, would be reserved until paternity is established, even though the court has allowed his will to be implemented.

Although the court did not mention the entirety of Pele’s fortune, the American business magazine Forbes said that the assets left behind by him were around $15 million, while some local media believe that the figure may be even higher.

Pele had three children with Rosimeri Cholbi – Edinho, Jennifer, and Kely – and another two – Josh and Celeste -, with Assiria Nascimento.

Flavia is another daughter from an extra-marital affair.

Pele’s heirs also include Otavio and Gabriel Felinto, the children of Sandra Regina, who was recognized as Pele’s daughter and died of cancer in 2006. EFE

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