Flamengo mourns passing of former coach and Brazilian sporting legend

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Coluna do Fla

·25 December 2025

Flamengo mourns passing of former coach and Brazilian sporting legend

Former Flamengo Coach, Cláudio Mortari, Passed Away This Thursday (25), at 77

One of the greatest coaches in the history of Brazilian basketball, Cláudio Mortari passed away this Thursday (25), at the age of 77. A Rio champion with Flamengo, the former coach led the Brazilian National Team and won a world club title with Sírio. On social media, the Most Beloved mourned his death.

“The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply regrets the passing of Cláudio Mortari, former coach of the Pride of the Nation and a significant figure in the history of Brazilian basketball. To his family, friends, and admirers, our sincere condolences,” wrote Flamengo.

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Mortari led Flamengo from 1999 to 2001. With the Sacred Mantle, the historic coach had the opportunity to lead the ‘Holy Hand’ Oscar Schmidt. Together with the greatest basketball player of all time in the country, the coach won the 2000 State Championship.

WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF DEATH?

The former coach had been facing health issues, but the cause of death was not disclosed by the family. Mortari spent 40 years dedicated to basketball and led the Brazilian National Team at the Moscow Olympics in 1980. Besides Mengão, the sports legend also worked with Corinthians, São Paulo, Bradesco, and Sírio, where he won the 1979 World Championship. Mortari's Instagram posted a message on social media this Thursday (25).

“I conclude my cycle and mission here. I conquered and contributed with great intensity to all the battles that came my way. And it was because of an orange ball that all this was possible. I built a beautiful family, missed some special moments, but always in pursuit of a greater goal within the sport. Sports have always been present since my childhood, and basketball was what awakened and embraced me at the same time. I fought, always striving for what was right and as professional as possible. Generations of athletes, teachings, and learning. My thanks to everyone who was with me on this journey. S.E Palmeiras E.C Sírio Bradesco E.C S.C Corinthians Paulista Clube Atlético Pirelli Telesp Clube Rio Claro Basquete Mogi Das Cruzes Barueri| C.R Flamengo Club Athletico Paulistano Ulbra São Bernardo E.C Pinheiros São Paulo Futebol Clube “We thank everyone for the messages, prayer groups, and affection from all of you during this time. Claudinho and Bruno Mortari”. At this moment, the family chooses to keep the farewell private, restricted to family members only. Thank you”.

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