Search icon
Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 14:52 IST, March 27th 2020

Pelé's younger brother Zoca dies aged 77 after succumbing to prostate cancer

Brazilian legend Pele's younger brother Zoca passed away at 77 following a battle with prostate cancer. Zoca also played for Santos FC scoring four goals.

Reported by: Daniel Arambur
null | Image: self

Former Santos FC star and footballing icon Pele has had his fair share of health issues in the recent past. However, the 79-year old former Brazil player lost his younger brother - Zoca - to prostate cancer. Aged 77, Zoca succumbed to his long-standing battle against cancer in a hospital in Brazil itself. 

Also Read | Pele settles Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate, brands himself G.O.A.T

Pele mourns the death of younger brother Zoca on Twitter

Also Read | Brazil’s football federation unveils Pele statue

Zoca cause of death

Pele’s younger brother Zoca dies at 77 after battling with prostate cancer

Also Read | Pele net worth, mental health issues and trophy-laden career with Brazil

Zoca was two years younger than Pele but shared his brother's passion for the sport of football. Although he never managed to reach the same heights as his older brother, Zoca too played for the popular Brazilian side - Santos FC. Zoca scored four goals in 15 appearances for Santos FC. However, Zoca later served as an advisor to Pele accompanying him over the course of his distinguished career. Pele’s advisor and spokesperson Bebeto Fornos said that Zoka was buried in Santos in the absence of Pele, who is undergoing isolation in his home due to the emerging Corona virus.

Also Read | Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar are all fans of Mr Bling's £150,000 crystal portraits

Pele weighs in on the Messi vs Ronaldo debate

Also Read | Atalanta vs Valencia UCL tie termed "biological bomb" that infected Italy with coronavirus

Updated 14:52 IST, March 27th 2020

LIVE TV

Republic TV is India's no.1 English news channel since its launch.