João Oliveira Pinto has died. The former Sporting footballer and under-20 World Champion in 1991 was battling leukemia. He was 52 years old. Under the command of Carlos Queiroz, the attacking midfielder became under-20 world champion in Lisbon, alongside players such as Nélson, Jorge Costa, Rui Bento, Paulo Torres, Luís Figo, Peixe, Rui Costa or João Pinto, but also Brassard, Gil and Toni, or Capucho, Tulipa, Cao, Abel Xavier, Tó Ferreira and Luís Miguel. Trained at Sporting, João Oliveira Pinto also represented clubs such as Atlético, V. Setúbal, Estoril, Gil Vicente, Sp. Braga, Farense, Marítimo, Académica, Imortal, Amora, Sesimbra and Alfarim.
A few years ago, he worked as a Delegate for the Players’ Union and, about two years ago, he faced the toughest and most thankless battle of his life: the battle against cancer, in this case, leukemia.
After paying tribute to him in his own space, as a columnist for RecordJoaquim Evangelista, president of the Players Union and friend of the former athlete, even left his outburst on social media.
The Union and João Oliveira Pinto himself made a point of expressing gratitude for the messages of support, but refused any initiatives to collect and collect donations.
Fernando Gomes, president of the FPF, expressed on behalf of the body that oversees all national football his sadness and sent his condolences family, friends, the Players Union and its president, Joaquim Evangelista.
The Players Union also expressed his regretwith a message on social media.
Liga Portugal, chaired by Pedro Proença, also made a point of leaving its note of regret for the death of João Oliveira Pinto.
O Sportingthe club where João Oliveira Pinto became a football player, also left his condolences on the death of the former lion.
To the bereaved family, Record offers heartfelt condolences.
In update