Oscar’s shift from Santos fan to Corinthians devotee after title triumph | OneFootball

Oscar Schmidt, the Brazilian basketball great whose life intertwined with football, died on Friday aged 68. According to Globo.com, he grew up a Santos supporter inspired by Pelé before later embracing Corinthians.

Born in February 1958, he followed Santos as Pelé’s era began and also had a soft spot for Fluminense, a favourite in his childhood table football games.

Once professional, he kept allegiances discreet and launched his career at Palmeiras. He debuted for their senior side in 1975 at Sírio’s gym, the venue where he would later win a world title with the Paulistano club.

Wlamir Marques handed him his first chance at Palmeiras, and he scored four points in a loss to Sírio, a modest start to a career that totalled 49,973 points. He stayed until 1978, having helped the team beat Flamengo to the 1977 national crown and popularise the “ponte aérea” with Carioquinha.

Oscar later played for Corinthians from 1995 to 1997, starring in the 1996 Brazilian title run as top scorer and MVP. He said that triumph led him to switch his support from Santos to Corinthians.

His bond with the club endured, and in 2011 he became the first non-football athlete honoured on their Walk of Fame. Near the end of his career, the “Mão Santa” also enjoyed a special night with Flamengo, sharing the court with his son Felipe.

Source: Globo.com