Edu Manga,a former Brazilian international and standout player for Real Valladolid,has died at the age of 58. The news marks a loss for the football community in both Brazil and Spain, where he cultivated a reputation as a beloved and prolific striker.
Manga’s career spanned over two decades, highlighted by 44 goals scored while representing his club team, endearing him to a generation of fans. he also earned ten caps for the Brazilian national team between 1987 and 1989. His passing prompts reflection on a career that took him across multiple continents and left a lasting impact on the clubs he served.
Throughout his career, manga played for a diverse range of teams, including América of Mexico, Shimizu S-Pulse of Japan, Emelec of Ecuador, and Universidad Católica of Chile.
he spent a season and a half with Real Valladolid from 1996 to 1998, becoming a fan favorite and remembered as one of the club’s most cherished foreign players.
Returning to Brazil later in his career, Manga played for Sport Recife, Náutico, and ultimately retired with Figueirense of Florianópolis in 2002, concluding a distinguished playing career.
