Henrique, former Vasco defender, dies in Rio de Janeiro | OneFootball

Henrique died this Tuesday, the 16th, at the age of 49. The former Henrique center-back for Vasco da Gama won the club’s biggest titles during his time at São Januário. The cause of death was not confirmed by the family. Henrique joined Vasco in 1996 to play in the club’s youth system.

His story at São Januário had two chapters. In his first spell, he played for Vasco’s senior team between 1998 and 2001. In his second spell, Henrique wore the club’s shirt between 2003 and 2004. In between, the center-back was part of the title-winning squads in the 1998 Copa Libertadores, the 2000 Copa Mercosur, and the 2000 Brazilian Championship.

However, one of the defender’s greatest achievements was the goal against Athletico-PR in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. The club from Paraná was leading the league and was on track to win the title, which could have been decided in that match.

Vasco da Gama, meanwhile, was fighting relegation. In the second half of the match at São Januário, Petkovic took a free kick from the right, and Henrique rose powerfully to head home the game’s only goal. The goal saved Vasco from relegation and cost Furacão the title.

Santos took over the lead that round and sealed the title in the following round of the championship. As he was leaving the pitch after the match, Henrique gave an interview that became part of Vasco’s history.

“They said Atlético bought the champagne to celebrate the title here. Here, I doubt anyone will celebrate a title. It was a goal scored with a lot of anger,” he said at the time.

Vasco mourned Henrique’s death

It is with the deepest sorrow that we received the news of the passing of former center-back and #CriaDaColina Henrique, at the age of 49.

Leonardo Henrique Peixoto dos Santos was promoted to the first team of the Giant of the Hill in 1998 and remained part of the squad until 2004, taking part in the title-winning campaigns of the 1998 Libertadores, the 2000 Mercosur, and the 2000 Brazilian Championship.

We wish strength to his family and friends 🖤

Rest in peace, Henrique.

Henrique began his career at Bonsucesso. After Vasco, he also played for Atlético-MG, Portuguesa-RJ, Fluminense, Madureira, Itumbiara, Vila Nova, Goiás, Náutico, and America-RJ. The center-back also played outside Brazil.

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