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Alan Ruschel retires after Juventude promotion

Alan Ruschel is calling it a career at 37, and the way it ended for Juventude is the kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling. The man is one of three surviving players from the Chapecoense tragedy, and the only one of those three who ever made it back to professional football. His last match had real stakes too: Juventude needed a win to reach Brazil's Serie A, and he wore the armband as captain. He came on in the 75th minute to a huge ovation, then watched his side get the job done and seal a historic promotion. After the whistle he broke down crying during the Olympic lap while the whole stadium chanted his name. He survived Chapecoense, came back to the game, and signed off as captain by pushing his club up to the top flight. The victory, in his words, was dedicated to heaven. You beat life and football, Alan. YOU DID IT, ALAN RUSCHEL!

1h

Footy News@Footynews

Follow

Alan Ruschel retires after Juventude promotion

Alan Ruschel is calling it a career at 37, and the way it ended for Juventude is the kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling. The man is one of three surviving players from the Chapecoense tragedy, and the only one of those three who ever made it back to professional football. His last match had real stakes too: Juventude needed a win to reach Brazil's Serie A, and he wore the armband as captain. He came on in the 75th minute to a huge ovation, then watched his side get the job done and seal a historic promotion. After the whistle he broke down crying during the Olympic lap while the whole stadium chanted his name. He survived Chapecoense, came back to the game, and signed off as captain by pushing his club up to the top flight. The victory, in his words, was dedicated to heaven. You beat life and football, Alan. YOU DID IT, ALAN RUSCHEL!

1h