São Paulo
Journalists, celebrities, clubs and players paid tribute to Léo Batista, who died at the age of 92 this Sunday (19). On social media, demonstrations celebrate the more than seven decades of career of the journalist who made history on Brazilian television.
The presenter was honored by several Brazilian football clubs, including Botafogo, his favorite team. Atlético Goianiense, Red Bull Bragantino, Palmeiras and Santos also published on social media.
Journalists and narrators, whether or not they worked with Batista, spoke out. “Vanucci and Léo Batista now together in heaven. Two great Botafoguenses”, wrote Milton Neves, citing announcer Fernando Vanucci, who died in 2020.
Alex Escobar shared a video celebrating one of Batista’s birthdays and talked about the stories told by his co-worker. “It was sad to see him losing his strength, to admit that, it’s sad not to see him anymore. Rest easy, my friend. One day we’ll meet,” he wrote.
Presenter Leilane Neubarth published a photo next to her colleague. “You informed us, enchanted us and inspired us. Always a pleasure to be with you on air or in the corridors”, he said.
“Farewell to a voice that marked generations”, said narrator Everaldo Marques in a post on Instagram. “The loss of Mr. Léo is a very sad day for Brazilian TV and journalism.”
“Rest in peace,” said actor Ary Fountoura. Actor and comedian Marcos Veras, actor Thiago Rodrigues and other celebrities also left expressions of affection in comments on Instagram.
Singer Teresa Cristina revealed that she has followed Batista’s work since she was a child. “All my football memories, the love for this sport that only those who love understand the strength it has,” he wrote in a post on Instagram.
João Baptista Bellinaso Neto, given name of Léo Batista, was admitted to the Rios d’Or hospital, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro, with complications caused by a tumor in the pancreas. He leaves a daughter.
