Oscar Schmidt, the ‘Mão Santa’, legend of Brazilian and world basketball, died at the age of 68 last Friday (17)
Flamengo announced this Saturday (18) that it has retired the number 14 basketball jersey in honor of Oscar Schmidt, who died on Friday (17).
“Today, the number 14 shirt no longer enters the court. And it becomes part of eternity. Flamengo will retire the number that was immortalized by Oscar Schmidt – the greatest player in the history of Brazilian basketball and one of the greatest in the world”, wrote the Rio club on its X account (formerly Twitter).
Oscar played for Flamengo between 1999 and 2003 and won two Rio titles in addition to being runner-up in Brazil.
Today, shirt 14 no longer enters the court.
And it becomes part of eternity.Flamengo will retire the number that was immortalized by Oscar Schmidt — the greatest player in the history of Brazilian basketball and one of the greatest in the world.
— Team Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo)
Farewell to Oscar Schmidt
Mão Santa represented Brazil in five Olympics │Reproduction: FIBA
Oscar Schmidt, the “Holy Hand”Brazilian and world basketball legend, died at the age of 68 last Friday (17). The information was confirmed by the former athlete’s advisors. Oscar is widely considered the greatest basketball player in Brazilian history and one of the largest in the world. The cause of death was not disclosed.
According to the note released by the family, the farewell will be private and restricted to family members. The City of Santana de Parnaíba, where he was treated at the Santa Ana Municipal Hospital and Maternity Hospital (HMSA), stated that he arrived at the scene dead, in cardiorespiratory arrest.
Oscar Schmidt was cremated on Friday night in São Paulo. The ceremony was restricted to family and close friends of the former player. In a note on social media, the family thanked fans for their support and asked for respect. “The family warmly appreciates all the messages of support, strength and solidarity. The farewell was held discreetly, only among close relatives. We ask for respect and privacy at this time”, says the note.
