Marcia Aoki: Inside Her 'True Love Story' with Soccer Icon Pelé

Around two decades after their first encounter, Marcia Aoki and Pelé's paths crossed again, and a romance blossomed between them. Marcia Aoki said the couple's relationship was her "chance at true love" following her husband's heartbreaking passing.

The third time proved to be the charm for soccer icon Pelé when he and Marcia Aoki tied the knot and celebrated nearly a decade of marriage. Sadly, Marcia Aoki and the world lost the Brazilian icon in 2022.

Marcia Aoki's husband often gushed about her on social media before passing. Following his death, Marcia Aoki turned to Instagram and shared that her husband was her life's reason.

Marcia Aoki and Pelé Said 'I Do' during an Intimate Ceremony in 2016

Aoki and her late husband first met in New York City in the mid-1990s but did not start dating until 2010, after their paths crossed once more in 2008. Six years later, the couple said "I do" in their home country, Brazil, when Pelé was 75 and Aoki was 50.

To commemorate the occasion, Aoki's husband turned to Instagram to share a photo of the happy couple on their special day as they cut into their wedding cake, wearing beaming smiles and looking back at the camera.

Marcia Aoki's Husband Said He Was 'Grateful' to Have Her

In 2021, Aoki's husband turned to Instagram to celebrate Valentine's Day and sweetly shared, "I know God exists because there is love. My advice is: never stop loving. Live fully. Say "I love you" often. I want to thank my wife, Marcia, for every day together. Happy Valentine's Day for everyone!"

In August 2022, Pelé revealed how "grateful" he was for his wife in an Instagram post updating his fans on his health, and in honor of Women's Day that same year, Aoki's husband wrote:

"Today, on International Women's Day, I want to praise my wife Márcia. A strong woman who teaches me a lot every day. I love and admire you. Thank you to all the women in my life, and to everyone in the world who fight for a more equal society."

Marcia Aoki Penned an Emotional Open Letter Following Her Husband's Passing in 2022

On December 29, 2022, the world mourned the loss of a phenomenal sportsman as the news broke that Aoik's husband had died. A month later, Aoik shared a beautifully written open letter on Instagram.

"Saying goodbye to the one I love and getting used to not having by my side the reason of my life, your love full of affection, care, and sense of humor, will take time. I just wanted a few more moments exchanging glances," the open letter read in part.

Earlier this year, Aoika attended The Best FIFA Football Awards and accepted the Best FIFA Special Award from FIFA World Cup winner Ronaldo in Pelé's honor.

"It is a big honor to be here at this magnificent FIFA tribute to Edson. I have three words to say to God. God gave us Edson. To Edson, that gave us Pelé, and to the world who received him so well, my three words are: grateful, grateful, and grateful," Aoika said.