Corinthian legend Geraldão, 1977 Paulista top scorer, dies at 77

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista announced on Thursday, 6 May, the death of former striker Geraldão at age 77. Born on 25 July 1949 in Álvares Machado, São Paulo, he first gained attention playing for Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto alongside Sócrates before joining Corinthians in 1975.

Geraldão became the top scorer of the 1977 Campeonato Paulista, helping the club end a 23‑year state‑title drought, and added a second Paulista crown in 1979. He featured in the historic 1976 “Invasão da Fiel” semifinal at the Maracanã, played 280 matches for Corinthians and scored 91 goals. The club expressed condolences to his family; the cause of death was not disclosed.