Act applies to the entire country; In a statement, the president said that the athlete was the “greatest idol in the history of Brazilian basketball”
The federal government declared official mourning for 3 days throughout the country due to the death of Oscar Schmidt this Friday (April 17, 2026). The basketball legend, who had been fighting a brain tumor for 11 years, after a cardiorespiratory arrest at the Santa Ana Municipal Hospital and Maternity Hospital (HMSA), in Santana do Parnaíba, in São Paulo.
The decision was signed by the acting president, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), and published in an extra edition of DOU (Daily Union Official). The official document establishes that the mourning period starts from the date of publication of the decree, as a sign of regret for the death of the former athlete. Read the decision [PDF – 50MB]
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) also spoke about the loss through . The Chief Executive stated that the “Holy Hand” He was the greatest idol in the history of the sport in the country and was classified as an example of obstinacy and love for the Brazilian team’s shirt.
READ LULA’S FULL SPEECH:
“Oscar Schmidt, the “Holy Hand”, was the greatest idol in the history of Brazilian basketball and one of the sport’s greatest scorers. An example of determination, talent and love for the national team’s shirt. Over the decades, he united the country around the courts with unforgettable shots and unquestionable leadership. He competed in five Olympics and became the greatest scorer in the history of the Games. For the national team, the most symbolic moment occurred in the final of the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, when he led Brazil to a 120-115 victory over the United States, the first home defeat for the Americans in the history of the competition. Oscar also won bronze in the 1978 World Cup, held in the Philippines. His dedication elevated the country’s name and made it an inspiration to generations of athletes and sports lovers..
READ THE FULL DECREE:
“THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, in the exercise of the position of President of the Republic, in the use of the powers conferred on him by article 84, caput, items IV and VI, paragraph “a”, of the Constitution, and in view of the provisions of article 18, caput, item I, of Law No. 5,700, of September 1, 1971,
DECREE:
Art. 1 Official mourning is declared throughout the country, for a period of three days, counting from the date of publication of this Decree, as a sign of regret for the death of Oscar Daniel Bezerra Schmidt, former basketball player.
Art. 2 This Decree comes into force on the date of its publication.
Brasília, April 17, 2026; 205th of Independence and 138th of the Republic.
GERALDO JOSÉ RODRIGUES ALCKMIN FILHO”
OSCAR HOLDS RECORD FOR OLYMPICS POINTS
Born in Rio Grande do Norte, Oscar worked for 3 decades in Brazil and Europe. With 1,093 points scored in 5 editions of the Olympic Games, he is the historical record holder for the basketball tournament.
He began his career in 1974, at the age of 16, at Palmeiras youth club, in São Paulo. Over almost 30 years, he defended Sírio, Corinthians and Flamengo. In Europe, he played for JuveCaserta and Pavia, in Italy, and at Forum Valladolid, in Spain.
Oscar rejected the NBA, the sport’s main league. The New Jersey Nets even recruited the Brazilian in 1984. The athlete, however, chose to reject the North American invitation to continue his career on the European continent.
