Palmeiras mourns the death of former defender Tonhão – Terra

Antônio Carlos Costa Gonçalves, known as Tonhão, the former Palmeiras defender, who was admitted to a hospital in the capital of São Paulo, died this Tuesday (22), at the age of 55. The death was announced by his daughter Jessica Louzada, through social media and the cause of death was not disclosed. In her daughter’s publication, she informed that […]

22 out
2024
– 15h35

(updated at 3:35 pm)

Tribute to Tonhão (PHOTO: DISCLOSURE/INSTAGRAM/PALMEIRAS

Photo: Esporte News Mundo

Antônio Carlos Costa Gonçalves, known as Tonhão, the former Palmeiras defender, who was admitted to a hospital in the capital of São Paulo, died this Tuesday (22), at the age of 55. The death was announced by his daughter Jessica Louzada, through social media and the cause of death was not disclosed.

In her daughter’s post, she informed that the wake will only be for the family and continues to thank everyone. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who prayed, supported and for all the affection they always had for him,” she wrote via Instagram stories.

Antônio Carlos, one of the most vibrant names in the stands, known for his long braids, in addition to being a player on the team, was a fan of Verdão since childhood, with the team’s shield on his right arm.

Wearing the Palmeiras shirt, Tonhão participated in 161 matches, debuting in 1988, against São Carlense and his last game was against Ferroviária, in 1996. During that time, he was twice champion of São Paulo and Brazil, in 1993 and 1994 and the Tournament Rio-São Paulo, in 1993. The São Paulo team being more special, when they won the trophy, after 16 years, forming a pair with Antônio Carlos, in the big decision.

On Palmeiras’ social networks, the club also pays tribute to the deceased idol, recognizing his remarkable career and the legacy he left in the club’s history and in the hearts of its fans. “Just as you marked Palmeiras on your skin, your dedication on the field and your affection off it are eternalized in our memory. Forever one of ours, Tonhão!”, says the team in its Instagram post.

Antônio Carlos Costa Gonçalves, known as Tonhão: A Tribute to a Palmeiras Legend

October 22, 2024 – 15:35

Today, football fans are grieving a tremendous loss. Antônio Carlos Costa Gonçalves, affectionately known as Tonhão, passed away at the tender age of 55. The former Palmeiras defender had a heart as big as his hair—long braids trailing behind him, like a flag announcing his love for the game. His daughter, Jessica Louzada, broke the news on social media, leaving us all collectively shaking our heads and muttering, “Not Tonhão.”

The cause of his demise is still shrouded in mystery, which is either incredibly somber or a metaphor for the secretive nature of football transfers—also shrouded in mystery!

So, here’s a shoutout to Jessica, who took to Instagram to express her gratitude to the fans for their prayers and support. It’s a heartfelt gesture amidst the sadness, though one can’t help but chuckle at the thought of her scrolling through Instagram stories while navigating such an emotional situation. Pop culture at its finest!

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who prayed, supported, and for all the affection they always had for him,” she wrote. This will be a wake primarily for family—no stadium-sized send-off here, folks. Just keep the selfies to a minimum; this isn’t Instagram Live.

Tonhão was no ordinary player. This man had the Palmeiras shield tattooed on his arm—talk about commitment! He played a total of 161 matches for the club, a feat that is deserving of a medal, a trophy, or at the very least, a lifetime supply of pizza at the local trattoria. He debuted in 1988 against São Carlense, and his last match in 1996 was against Ferroviária. In that time, he secured two championships in both São Paulo and Brazil, proving that his name certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

It was in the heat of the 1993 and ‘94 seasons that he helped secure those coveted trophies, and I must admit, I’d have loved to hear his victory chant at a bar; even the bartenders would have joined in. A sharp defender with a heart full of fire. Don’t we all miss that?

The club, embracing their emotional expertise, paid tribute to Tonhão on their social networks, stating, “Just as you marked Palmeiras on your skin, your dedication on the field and your affection off it are eternalized in our memory. Forever one of ours, Tonhão!” What a way to ensure you’re remembered—permanently inked into history, just like that ex who won’t stop texting you. The price of love, folks!

There are legends, and then there are legends in long braids. Tonhão is forever part of Palmeiras lore, a shining example of what it means to wear one’s passion on your sleeve—literally and metaphorically. So here’s to you, Tonhão, may you continue dribbling your way through the great skies above, while we all raise a toast below. Cheers!