Brazilian soccer is in mourning; Corinthians legend Geraldão has died

Geraldão, the former Brazilian champion and Corinthians legend, has passed away at the age of 77. The star played for the São Paulo club 280 times, scoring 91 goals and winning the 1977 Paulista Championship’s top scorer title.

“Sport Club Corinthians Paulista announces, with deep sadness, the passing of its former forward Geraldão,” reads the official statement. Born on July 25, 1949, in Álvares Machado, near Presidente Prudente (São Paulo), Geraldão first caught the public’s attention while playing for Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, where he played alongside Sócrates.”

“In 1975, he transferred to Corinthians, where he was a standout player: in fact, he was the team’s leading scorer during their historic run to the 1977 Paulista Championship title. In total, Geraldão made 280 appearances for the black-and-white jersey, scoring 91 goals.”

“In addition to the historic triumph of 1977, he won the state title again in 1979, thus becoming a two-time Paulista champion with Timão. Among the most iconic moments of his career was the famous “Invasão da Fiel” at the Maracanã in 1976, when the black-and-white fans filled the stadium for the semifinal of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Sport Club Corinthians Paulista extends its heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with his family and friends during this time of deep mourning,” the statement concludes.

Geraldão is best known for his time at Corinthians, but during his career he also played for Botafogo, Atlético Juventus, Internacional, and Colorado, retiring in 1984.