Pele's Spouse Expresses Grief in Open Letter After His Passing

Chisom Ndianefo
Close up of the late Pele and his wife, Marcia Aoki
Getty | Pacific Press

It's been a month since football legend, Pelé died, and his widow, Marcia Aoki, is speaking out for the first time. Aoki wrote an open letter to describe her feelings since the legend's passing, including that there's now an empty space in her life.

Who's Marcia Aoki?

Pele and Marcia Aoki pose for a selfie
Flickr | jcosmo212

The Japanese-Brazilian businesswoman was the legend's third wife, whom he married in 2016, although they'd been acquaintances for longer. The couple met in the Eighties but didn't ignite a romance until the later 2000s.

They reunited in 2008 and started dating in 2010 before tying the knot six years later.

Life Without The King

The 57-year-old took to Instagram to share the two-page letter that detailed her feelings in the wake of her husband's death.

Aoki said Pelé's death left her feeling like "space sucked the air out of her," but it'll take some time to adjust to her new reality.

The Open Letter

Letter written by Pele's widow.
instagram

Although she longed for days when the late legend complimented her, Marcia is glad she can share her pain with the world. The businesswoman thanked Pelé's fans and former affiliates for paying homage. Aoki ended her letter by saying she got a chance at true love with Pelee, and she's grateful for that.

Getting His Nickname

A magazine cover celebrating Pele's life
Flickr | linofrt

Aoki addressed her late husband, popularly known as Pelé by his birth name, Edson. Although many people don't know it, Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He got his nickname in school due to his poor pronunciation of the name, Bilé.

From The Family

Marcia Aoki and Pele at a formal event
Flickr | AgenciaCN

The caption on the open letter said that Aoki represented the entire family and Pelé associates. It's their way of saying "Thank You Very Much" for the celebration of life. They wrote,

"One month after the Rei's passing, we are publishing for the first time the way he would want: saying 'muito obrigado'."

Leaving A Legacy Of Love

Pele
instagram

Pelé's death announcement received over 19 million likes on Instagram as the world mourned the loss of a game-changer. His foundation said his life would become a legacy for future generations. It's already happening as top footballers today cite the King as their inspiration.

The Loss Of A Legend

The legend succumbed to his illness in a Brazilian hospital after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 82 and had made a moving post to the Brazilian team after their loss at the 2022 World Cup.

His Daughter Remembers Him

A Tribute Picture for the late football legend Pele
Flickr | hi88vip.net

Pelé's daughter Kely Nascimento also shared a sweet tribute to her father, saying it's been a difficult month without him. He thought them the essence of togetherness and being optimistic, lessons she'll forever appreciate.

The World Still Mourns

The football world still mourns his loss and they remember the only person to ever win three consecutive world cups.