TBT #12 Lion's memory: Veneza, Avaí's best-ever centre-back, 1975 champ

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Avaí F.C.

·14 May 2026

TBT #12 Lion's memory: Veneza, Avaí's best-ever centre-back, 1975 champ

Every Thursday, Avaí Futebol Clube celebrates a former player who made his mark on the club’s century-long history. We remember stars who brought us so much joy wearing the blue and white colors.

We have already covered here the story of Rogério Ávila HERE, the star CAVALLAZZI, the Golden Boy HERE, FLÁVIO ROBERTO, 1988 champion, HERE, JUTI, the title-winning top scorer of 1975, HERE, TONINHO QUINTINO, Santa Catarina State Champion in 1973 HERE, NIZETA, four-time Santa Catarina State Champion HERE, ADILSON HELENO, Santa Catarina State Champion in 1988, HERE, ADOLFINHO, the greatest goalkeeper in the history of Santa Catarina HERE, BALDUÍNO, the Little King, Santa Catarina State Champion in 1973 and 1975 HERE, ZENON, Santa Catarina State Champion in 1973 and 1975 HERE and CLÉBER SANTANA HERE, Avaí’s eternal number 88, Santa Catarina State Champion in 2012.

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In the 12th edition, we will remember VENEZA, Avaí’s historic center back, Santa Catarina State Champion in 1975. Antônio Fidélis, better known as Veneza, was born on April 12, 1950, in Criciúma. A classic center back, his greatest strengths were his technique, ball control, and good positioning on the field.

He began his career at América, from Joinville. In 1974 he arrived at Avaí and became Santa Catarina State Champion the following year.

Veneza played 224 matches for Avaí. He scored seven goals. He is the 22nd player to have worn Avaí’s shirt the most, according to data published in the book AVAÍ F.C. 100 Years of Stories 1923–2023, by Dois Por Quatro publishing house, written by Adalberto Jorge Kluser, Felipe Matos and Spyros Apóstolo Diamantaras.

Photo: Reproduction / PG 63 Book 100 Years of Stories / Adalberto Klüser Collection

On August 30, 2017, Veneza had his footprints immortalized on the Walk of Fame at the Adolfinho Athletes Memorial, at Ressacada. Alongside him was another fan idol, Rubão!

The tribute took place during a solemn session of Avaí’s Deliberative Council, celebrating another anniversary of the Club. The event was held in the VIP area of Sector D at Ressacada stadium.

On the occasion, Veneza said in thanks: “Thank you very much for what you did for us players, because there were many friends we had not seen anymore and, by chance, president Zunino scored a great goal by bringing all the players together. And I want to say one more thing: ‘This Avaí really does things,’” said an emotional Veneza.

Veneza has his footprints immortalized on Avaí’s walk of fame – Photo: Jamira Furlani / Avaí F.C.

Emotional, Veneza thanks Avaí for the tribute

Photo: Jamira Furlani / Avaí F.C.

Rubão and Veneza, side by side, on the night they were honored by Avaí

Photo: Jamira Furlani / Avaí F.C.

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE On October 2, 2017, Avaí Futebol Clube published an article on its website entitled: “Note of Condolence: Former center back Antônio Fidélis (Veneza)”

The text says: “It is with sorrow that the governing bodies of Avaí Futebol Clube mourn the death of former center back Antônio Fidélis, known as VENEZA. Football in Santa Catarina is in mourning. Veneza passed away on the morning of this Monday (02), at CEPON, where he was undergoing treatment.

A native of Criciúma, he was born on April 12, 1950. He played for Avaí between 1974 and 1978, appearing in at least 224 matches and scoring seven goals.

He is considered by fans and sports journalists who saw him play to be the greatest center back in the history of Avaí and football in Santa Catarina.

In his career, he played for América-SC (1973), Avaí (1974-1978), Criciúma-SC (1979) and XV de Piracicaba-SP (1979).

At Avaí, he won the state championship in 1975, when Avaí defeated Figueirense in the final by the score of 1-0, with a goal by Juti. The match took place at Orlando Scarpelli stadium.

On that occasion, Avaí took the field with Danilo; Souza, Maneca, Veneza and Orivaldo; Lourival, Balduíno and Zenon; Carlos (Ademir), Juti and Vado. Coach: Áureo Malinverni.

The campaign for that title included: 41 matches, 24 wins, 11 draws and 6 losses. Avaí scored 73 goals and conceded 33. Avaí’s success rate was 71.95%.

SEE BELOW SOME PHOTOS AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS FEATURING VENEZA