Palmeiras Idol from the 1980s Passes Away
Football mourns the loss of Edu Manga, a dazzling winger who became an icon for Palmeiras during the mid-to-late 1980s. From the club’s youth system to the first team, his pace and precise dribbles made him a fixture on the right flank and a fan favorite.
A Rapid Rise at Palmeiras (1985-1989)
Edu Manga broke into the professional squad in 1985, a period when Palmeiras enjoyed strong performances. He scored 44 goals in 188 appearances across his Palmeiras spell, a tally that still echoes in the club’s history. His speed and technical ability earned him a nickname granted by former teammate Denys, reflecting his on-field threat and entertaining style. In 1989, he helped Palmeiras win the Taça dos Invictos, a testament to the team’s defensive discipline and his attacking nous. His form also earned call-ups to the Brazilian national team during his peak years.
A Worldly Career Across Brazil and Beyond
After leaving Palmeiras in 1989, Edu Manga continued to ply his trade across Brazil’s top divisions, suiting up for eight other clubs, including Corinthians, Guarani, Athletico Paranaense, and Rio Branco-SP. He finished his domestic career with Sport Recife in 2001, then played for Remo and Náutico, winning the Pernambuco Championship with the latter in 2002, before wrapping up his Brazilian phase with Figueirense in 2002.
Global Journey: From Mexico to South America
Edu Manga’s career also took him abroad. He joined Club América in Mexico, becoming Palmeiras’ first major export after his departure. His journey continued with Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan, Emelec in Ecuador, and European stints with Valladolid and Logroñés in Spain. He also played for Universidad Católica in Chile and Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia, experiences that broadened his footballing horizons and enriched his playing style.
Legacy and Palmeiras’ Tributes
In a moving statement, Palmeiras mourned the loss of their former star, posting condolences to Edu Manga’s family and friends. Our eternal Edu Manga. Rest in peace, craque! the club wrote on social media, a succinct tribute that reflected the void his passing leaves in the club and its supporters. Across fans and former teammates, his legacy endures in memories of his electrifying sprints, his precise dribbles, and the role he played in Palmeiras’ successes of the era. The nickname he earned—speedy and efficient on the ball—remains a reminder of his impact during the golden years of the club.
