Geovani Silva, a former Brazilian national team player who won the 1989 Copa America, passed away after suddenly falling ill in Vila Velha, Espirito Santo state on May 18.
According to a statement from his family, the legend of Vasco da Gama was taken to the hospital in critical condition in the early morning. Despite doctors' efforts to resuscitate him, he still did not survive. His relatives described this as too unexpected and painful a loss for the whole family.
Geovani was once nicknamed "Little Prince" by Brazilian fans for his soft, technical and improvisational playing style. He rose to fame in Vasco da Gama colors from 1982, before becoming one of the big symbols of the Rio de Janeiro team.
In three periods playing for Vasco, Geovani played a total of 408 matches and scored 49 goals. He has stood side by side with legends such as Romario or Roberto Dinamite, contributing to helping the club win many titles.
At the national team level, Geovani soon made a name for himself when he was very young. He won the 1983 U20 World Cup as the top scorer of the tournament, and also scored the decisive goal against Argentina in the final.
After that, this former midfielder continued to win a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before winning the 1989 Copa America with the Brazilian national team.
In his later years, Geovani continuously fought against illness. He was hospitalized for cardiovascular complications, spinal cancer and polyneuritis. At the end of last year, the former Brazilian player had to stay in the hospital for 40 days after two cardiac arrests.
