Mourning! Flamengo icon Oscar Schmidt dies at 68 | OneFootball

Oscar Schmidt was rushed to the hospital this Friday (17) in São Paulo after suffering a sudden illness

The sports world is in mourning. This Friday (17), Oscar Schmidt died, an icon of Brazilian basketball and former Flamengo player. The eternal ‘Holy Hand’ passed away in São Paulo after feeling unwell and being rushed to the hospital.

Confirmation of his death came through an official statement from his representatives, highlighting the former athlete’s remarkable journey on and off the court. In the statement, the family also emphasized Oscar’s courage throughout more than 15 years of battling a brain tumor, as well as the sporting and human legacy he leaves to world basketball.

READ THE STATEMENT:

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest names in the history of world basketball and a figure of immense human and sporting significance. For more than 15 years, Oscar faced his battle against a brain tumor with courage, dignity, and resilience, remaining an example of determination, generosity, and love for life.

Recognized for his brilliant career on the court and his striking personality off it, Oscar leaves behind a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and around the world. The farewell will take place privately, restricted to family members, in respect of the family’s wish for an intimate moment of reflection.

The family sincerely thanks everyone for the expressions of affection, respect, and solidarity received, and asks for understanding regarding the need for privacy during this time of mourning. His legacy will remain alive in the collective memory and in the history of sport, as well as in the hearts of all those touched by his journey.”

HISTORY WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM?

Born on February 16, 1958, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Oscar Schmidt made history as one of the biggest names in Brazilian and world basketball. Known as ‘Holy Hand’ and the wearer of the national team’s iconic number 14 jersey, the former athlete marked generations with his skill and clutch ability on the court.

Throughout his career, the former player played a fundamental role in popularizing basketball in Brazil and shone in five editions of the Olympic Games. Between Moscow 1980 and Atlanta 1996, he scored 1,093 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Olympic history.

AND AT FLAMENGO?

Oscar Schmidt had a memorable spell with Flamengo, where he played 219 games between 1999 and 2003 and totaled 7,241 points. During that period, the idol won two State Championships, in 1999 and 2002.

In addition, at Rubro-Negro, the former player experienced a special moment when he played alongside his son Felipe in a game against Mogi. Throughout his time there, he showed a strong connection with the Sacred Jersey and even said he would have returned to Brazil earlier had he known how intense the experience at the club would be.

BATTLE AGAINST CANCER

In 2011, doctors diagnosed Oscar Schmidt with a brain tumor, and the former player began a long course of treatment that included surgeries and continuous follow-up. Over the years, his condition required different phases of care and medical monitoring.

Then in 2022, the former athlete himself revealed his decision to stop chemotherapy, which caused major repercussions among fans and in the sports world. Shortly afterward, ‘Holy Hand’ clarified the situation and said he had overcome the illness.

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