Former Under-20 World Champion Footballer João Oliveira Pinto Dies at 52, FPF Confirms

João Oliveira Pinto, former player and under-20 world champion in 1991 in Lisbon, died this Thursday at the age of 52. The news was confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

“The disappearance of João Oliveira Pinto is news that fills the entire national football family with sadness. Not only because of the much he gave us on the field but, above all, for everything he continued to give us as leader of the Players’ Union, delegate of the FPF General Assembly and a friend of many of us”, said Fernando Gomes, president of the FPF.

“After a fight against the disease that was as brief as it was unfair and had an unfortunate outcome, he leaves us a legacy of great love for football and dedication to others. The player who helped us win our second title in Lisbon, in 1991, with the his golden generation, he was also a person who gave everyone sympathy, kindness and an open and friendly smile”, he added, sending condolences to the family.

Trained at Sporting, the former player represented several clubs, such as Sp. Braga, V. Guimarães, Marítimo, Farense and V. Guimarães. He ended his career in 2009-10, at Alfarim.

He was currently a delegate to the FPF General Assembly for the Professional Football Players Union.

João Pinto, who played as a midfielder, had been fighting leukemia for some time. Last year, in April, he informed through the Players Union that he did not intend any fundraising campaign in his favor.

“João demands modesty and respect for the difficult time he is going through, thanking all the messages of support and affection he has received, without exception. He further requests and thanks those who promoted fundraising in his favor, to inform and carry out the return of the amounts donated to the respective recipients”, the Players’ Union informed at the time.

2024-02-08 20:54:00
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