Former Brazil Defender Ze Carlos Passes Away at 56
Former Brazil full-back Ze Carlos, a member of the 1998 World Cup runner-up squad, has passed away at the age of 56. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but local media reports suggest it was due to cardiac arrest.
Ze Carlos, born Jose Carlos de Almeida, played for Sao Paulo from 1997 to 1999. He was a surprise inclusion in the 1998 World Cup squad, replacing Flavio Conceicao. Despite being uncapped at the time, he made his international debut in the semi-final against the Netherlands, replacing the suspended Cafu. Brazil won the match on penalties, but Ze Carlos was an unused substitute in the final, a 3-0 defeat to France.
Ze Carlos’s only other international appearance came in a friendly against Yugoslavia in 1999. He retired from professional football in 2005.
Sao Paulo FC released a statement expressing their condolences: “It is with great sorrow that Sao Paulo FC announce the death of Jose Carlos de Almeida, Ze Carlos, this Friday in Osasco, near Sao Paulo.”
Ze Carlos’s passing is a sad loss for the football world. He was a talented defender who represented his country with pride. His contributions to the 1998 World Cup squad will always be remembered.
