Corinthians mourn Geraldão, tribute at Neo Química Arena | OneFootball

On Thursday afternoon (6), Corinthians announced the passing of former forward Geraldo Manteiga, better known as Geraldão, one of the most remarkable names in the club’s history. In addition to the official statement published by the club, Central do Timão learned that the idol will be honored before the match against Internacional, in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16. The program includes a minute of silence, the screening of a video on the Neo Química Arena’s big screen, and other actions prepared by the club in recognition of the former player’s career.

Geraldão wore the Corinthians shirt between 1975 and 1980 and built a remarkable legacy at Parque São Jorge. During that period, he played 280 matches, scored 91 goals, and took part in some of the most important chapters in the club’s history.

Photo: José Manoel Idalgo

The former forward played a decisive role in the 1977 Campeonato Paulista campaign, ending a nearly 23-year drought without a state title. In that historic triumph, he finished as the team’s top scorer. Two years later, he lifted the Paulista trophy again by winning the state championship for the second time, in 1979.

In addition to the titles, Geraldão was also present in another moment immortalized by Corinthians fans: the Fiel’s Invasion of the Maracanã in 1976, when thousands of Corinthians supporters attended the Brazilian Championship semifinal against Fluminense.

Born in Álvares Machado, in the countryside of São Paulo, Geraldão began his career at Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, where he played alongside Sócrates and finished as the top scorer of the 1974 Campeonato Paulista. His performances caught Corinthians’ attention, and the club signed him the following year. At Parque São Jorge, he established himself as one of the leading forwards of the era and helped the team win the 1977 and 1979 Campeonato Paulista titles.

After leaving Corinthians, Geraldão also played for Grêmio before moving to Internacional. With the club from Rio Grande do Sul, he won the Campeonato Gaúcho in 1982 and 1983. In the 1982 final, he delivered a historic performance by scoring all five of Internacional’s goals in the finals against Grêmio, was named the competition’s best player, and finished as the tournament’s top scorer. His standout spells at both clubs make this Thursday’s tribute even more symbolic, coming just before the clash between Corinthians and Internacional in the Copa do Brasil.

In an official statement, Corinthians expressed solidarity with the former player’s family and friends and highlighted Geraldão’s importance to the club’s history.

“Sport Club Corinthians Paulista informs, with immense sorrow, the passing of Geraldão, former Corinthians forward. Born on July 25, 1949, in the city of Álvares Machado, near Presidente Prudente-SP, Geraldão first drew attention while wearing the shirt of Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, where he played alongside Sócrates.

Later, in 1975, he came to play for Timão, becoming Corinthians’ top scorer in the campaign that led to the historic 1977 Campeonato Paulista title. Geraldão defended and honored the black-and-white shirt in 280 matches, scoring 91 goals. In addition to winning the 1977 Campeonato Paulista, he also became a two-time Paulista champion with Corinthians by lifting the trophy again in 1979. Geraldão was also present for Coringão in one of the most striking moments in the Club’s history, the Fiel’s Invasion of the Maracanã, in 1976, during that year’s Brazilian Championship semifinal. 

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista extends its solidarity to the family and friends in this moment of pain. Forever in our hearts.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.