R.I.P. Former Brazilian International Zé Carlos Passes Away Due to Sudden Heart Attack, Had Participated in the 1998 World Cup

According to Spanish newspaper AS, former Brazilian international Zé Carlos passed away on Friday at the age of 56. He died in Osasco, Brazil, and the news was officially confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation. It is reported that Zé Carlos may have suffered a cardiac arrest while at his niece’s home in São Paulo.

Zé Carlos represented Brazil in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where the team finished as runners-up. In that tournament, he started in the semi-final match against the Netherlands, which ended in a draw after 120 minutes, with Brazil advancing to the final through a penalty shootout. His career was primarily based in Brazil, playing for clubs such as Santos, Nacional, São Caetano, and Marília within the state of São Paulo.

In 1997, Zé Carlos gained recognition for helping Matonense achieve promotion to the São Paulo State First Division. Later that year, he transferred to São Paulo FC and became the first-choice right-back starting from the 1998 season. His outstanding performance earned him a place in the World Cup squad as a backup to Cafu, and he played in the semi-final when his teammate was suspended, helping the team advance to the final through a penalty shootout.

Zé Carlos continued to play for São Paulo until 2000, after which he joined several other Brazilian clubs, including Grêmio, Ponte Preta, and Joinville.

“Zé Carlos played an important role in Brazil’s World Cup journey in 1998, when we reached the final. He was a determined and physically strong player who had a distinguished career at multiple clubs,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Confederation, in his condolences. “At this difficult time, I extend my deepest sympathies to Zé Carlos’ family and friends.”