At 46, Marcos Paulo dos Santos, better known as Marcão, played the last game of his career. The experienced and renowned Brazilian goalkeeper stepped aside after playing the semifinal of the Paulista Championship and said goodbye to the handball courts.
“It was 12 years defending that shirt (that of Brazil), Olympics, World, Pan American and South American Games… I am grateful for the handball for providing me with so many moments that marked my life”, wrote Marcão in his Instagram account two days after his retirement, an idea that had been working for several years.
With endless injuries to his knees, the age and safety of having good goalkeepers in his club Esporte Clube Pinheiros of Brazil, the historic athlete decided to end his sports career and assured that it was the right time to close the cycle marked by success.
With 30 years of career, highlights include the 16 titles of the Brazilian National League, the 8 titles of the Paulista Championship, the 2003 Pan-American Championship, the 3° place in the Club World Championship of Qatar 2004, and the number 10 in the Olympic Games of Athens 2004.
Thus, one of the best goalkeepers in Brazil remained in the history of Brazilian handball and Pinheiros, the club that hosted it for 14 years.
Photo: CoSCABal
