Benni McCarthy is celebrating a decade of wedded bliss to his wife and biggest fan, Stacey. The couple enjoyed a lavish ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 24 May 2014.
They now have two children together.
Benni was born in Hanover Park in the Cape Flats and played soccer for South Africa and clubs Orlando Pirates, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, Westham United and Ajax.
STACY AND BENNI MCCARTHY CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY
In an Instagram post, Benni McCarthy acknowledged his wedding anniversary.
The Manchester United first-team coach posted: “Happy 10th anniversary, my love.” Stacey – a former Miss Edinburgh beauty queen – posted a similar message on her account.
According to the Mirror, the couple met on the set of an advertisement for Nike in 2008.
And Benni claims it was “love at first sight.”
He said: “I went there on a shoot, and she was one of those pretty girls they have as extras. I couldn’t concentrate on what I was supposed to do.”
Benni and Stacey wed in her hometown of Edinburgh in a soccer-themed ceremony on 24 May 2014.
The former Bafana Bafana player wore a kilt and knee-high socks as he said “I do” to his blonde bombshell partner. Benni honoured his love of football with tables named in honour of soccer clubs he’s played in: Seven Stars, Orlando Pirates, and FC Porto.
Following the reception, guests watched a fireworks display set to the beat of Benni’s song, Shibobo, with local kwaito group TKZee.
Fast-forward a decade, and the couple now have two children: 12-year-old daughter Lima and four-year-old son Lio. Benni McCarthy is also the dad of three other daughters, Mina, Mya, and Allegra, with Spanish ex-wife Maria Jose-Santos.
Images via Instagram: @bennimac17
WHO WAS HIS FIRST WIFE?
Before Stacey was in the picture, Benni dated Spanish artist Marise Jose-Santos.
The couple married in 2004 but split in 2007 after the soccer star claimed his spouse refused to relocate with him. He told Sunday Times: “We got divorced during my second year at Blackburn Rovers, in 2007. She did not really want to leave Spain and it became a problem.
He added: “Spanish people are not good travellers, and they never want to leave Spain. Even the players leave for one season, and they want to go back home.”
Benni told IOL of their relationship: “We are still very good friends.”
