“Manchete” played an important role in the relationship of the then most famous couple in Brazil
It was in a photographic studio in Rio that Pelé’s interest in the then anonymous model Maria da Graça Meneghel, known as Xuxa, was born.
The gaucho was selected, with three other models (including Luisa Brunet), to pose next to the football idol.
The essay was part of the December 20, 1980 issue of the popular magazine “Manchete”, which ceased publication in 2000.
Xuxa was 17 years old. Pele, 40, was single after his marriage to his first wife, Rosemeri Cholbi, ended.
After the photos, he asked for the phone number of the charming blue-eyed blonde.
In a direct on Instagram, in 2021, the presenter recalled the impact of the cover with Pelé.
“In the photo, I walked out in front of him, with his mother on my leg. Then everyone wanted to know who was the model that Pele was the most shot,” Xuxa said.
Shortly thereafter, Brazil’s most famous sportsman called the model’s family home in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Her father thought it was a joke and hung up.
Pele insisted. The two spoke on the phone about her and he invited her to dinner. During the conversation, she Xuxa revealed that she is still a virgin.
The seasoned gambler said he didn’t want the responsibility of being the first man in her life.
Some time later, when their virginity was already lost, they found each other again. Pelé made the request for an appointment and Xuxa accepted, becoming nationally famous.
During the six years of their relationship, they posed for several covers of ‘Manchete’. The magazine that was the couple’s cupid recounted the details of the novel in each issue.
Pele and Xuxa remained together until early 1986. She was already a presenter. You commanded the “Clube da Criança” in TV Manchete, from the same group as the magazine.
After taking the initiative to part ways, the young star signed a contract to make “Xou da Xuxa” on Globo, where she became the queen of Baixinhos.
Pele continued to be one of the country’s most revered media personalities until his death on December 29 at the age of 82.
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Source: Terra
Jason Root is a writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth coverage of famous people in entertainment, sports, and politics. He has a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines and bringing readers an inside look at the lives of the famous. He has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley.
