Tributes have been pouring in for a young footballer who tragically lost his life in a quad bike accident. Goias Esporte Clube, a stalwart of Brazil’s top-flight Serie A league but currently competing in the second-tier Serie B, announced the heartbreaking news of Under-15 player Marcelo Hermeto Brasil’s death on their social media platforms.
Alongside a photograph of the promising footballer, the club released a statement: “It is with great sorrow that Goias Esporte Club informs you of the death of Marcelo Hermeto Brasil, our right winger and a member of our under-15 team. He was a source of great pride, he was always an exemplary athlete and will always be remembered by all of us.
“The Emerald family deeply regrets this loss. On behalf of the entire club management, we express our solidarity and condolences to the family, players, friends and fans at this difficult and painful moment.”
The club, hailing from the city of Goiania, the capital city of the state of Goias in Brazil’s central-west region, concluded the message by stating: “Goias Sports Club is mourning.”
One devastated fan responded: “I can’t believe this news. He was a beautiful boy with a huge heart from an amazing family I had the pleasure of meeting. May God receive him with open arms and comfort the whole family at this moment of so much pain.”
Local reports have confirmed the tragic death of 15-year-old Marcelo, who joined the club in December 2023 after a stint at Flamengo.
The young footballer died en route to hospital following a quad bike accident at a friend’s house in Leopoldo de Bulhoes, located 40 miles east of Goiania.
In a heartfelt tribute, Vila Nova FC, another professional club based in Goiania, wrote: “The Vila Nova Football Club expresses solidarity with the family, friends and Goias Esporte Club for the death of the young athlete Marcelo Brasil, from the Under-15 category.
“Marcelo lost his life tragically in a quad bike accident, leaving everyone who knew him with immense sadness.
“A loss like this causes a profound impact on the entire Goias family and everyone who follows youth football, who share the same dream and love for the sport.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone at this time of great sorrow. May God comfort everyone’s heart.”