Vasco idol Geovani, the Pequeno Príncipe, dies aged 62 | OneFootball

Vasco idol Geovani Silva has died aged 62. The family said in a post that he fell ill suddenly in the early hours on Monday, was taken to a nearby hospital, and could not be revived.

A 1.68m playmaker nicknamed the Pequeno Príncipe, he lit up São Januário in the 1980s. He came through at Desportiva Ferroviária then joined Vasco in the early 1980s, winning the state title in 1982, 1987, 1988, 1992 and 1993.

Across three spells he made 408 appearances and scored 49 goals. Renowned for long-range strikes, precise passing and assured penalty taking, he is regarded as one of the club’s finest midfielders.

Geovani played for Brazil, lifting the 1989 Copa América, and captained the side that won silver at the 1988 Olympics alongside Bebeto and Romário. He had earlier featured for Brazil’s youth teams.

Born and based in Espírito Santo, he also represented Serra, Rio Branco, Tupy and Vilavelhense, where he retired in 2002. Overseas he had spells with Bologna, Karlsruher and Tigres.

Tributes followed on social media from Vasco, who celebrated his legacy in their No 8 shirt, and from Romário.

Source: Globo.com