Figueiredo

A Flamengo defender who earned 153 caps before his tragic death in a plane collision with Pico da Caledônia on 20 December 1984.

Cláudio Figueiredo Diz, known simply as Figueiredo, was a Brazilian professional footballer born on 23 December 1960. He played as a centre-back and revealed his talent at Palmeiras before transferring to Flamengo in 1981. During his time at the club, he made 153 appearances and became part of the squad that secured most of the team's major achievements in the early 80s. These triumphs included two Brazilian titles, the Copa Libertadores, and the Intercontinental Cup. His presence on the pitch was memorable enough to earn him a unique nickname: 'president,' a title shared with the President of Brazil at the time due to their identical surname.

Quick Facts

Full name: Cláudio Figueiredo Diz
Born: 23 December 1960
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Died: 20 December 1984
Place of death: Nova Friburgo, Brazil
Position: Centre-back

Lore & Background

Figueiredo's story is defined by a brief but glittering era at Flamengo starting in 1981. After moving from Palmeiras, he became a staple of the defense, accumulating exactly 153 appearances for the club. This period marked one of the most successful stretches in the team's history. Figueiredo was central to winning two Campeonato Brasileiro titles, the Copa Libertadores, and the Intercontinental Cup. The atmosphere surrounding the squad was so distinct that even his surname became a point of conversation; fans dubbed him 'president' because the sitting President of Brazil shared his name. His career was cut short on 20 December 1984 when the plane he was traveling in collided with Pico da Caledônia, a tragedy that claimed all occupants, including Nilton, the brother of future star Bebeto.

Reader's Guide

For fans seeking to understand Figueiredo's impact, the path is clear: look at the trophy list from 1981 to 1984. He was not just a participant but a key figure in a squad that won the Intercontinental Cup and Copa Libertadores in 1981, followed by Brazilian championships in 1982 and 1983. His defensive role as a centre-back supported these victories across 153 games. The guide to his legacy also includes the unique cultural moment of his nickname 'president,' reflecting the political climate of Brazil at the time. However, any guide must acknowledge the tragic end: he died on 20 December 1984 in a plane crash with Pico da Caledônia. This event killed all occupants, including Nilton, brother of Bebeto.