A week ago, Chapecoense striker Tiaguinho was jumping for joy after finding out that he was going to be a father for the first time.
On Tuesday, he was among the Chapecoense players believed to have been killed when the plane carrying the Brazilian club to the biggest game of its history crashed in Colombia.
The 22-year-old Tiaguinho got the news that his wife, Graziele, was expecting their child when his teammates delivered a package at the team’s hotel with a note from his wife and little baby shoes.
After the crash, the video of the young player celebrating and being embraced by his teammates went viral on social media.
Only three Chapecoense players are believed to have survived the crash — left back Alan Ruschel, defender Helio “Neto” Zampier and reserve goalkeeper Jakson Follmann.
Several players did not make the trip, either because of injuries or because they had not been playing recently. Among the injured were Argentine forward Alejandro Martinuccio and rising star Hyoran, who recently reached a deal to play for Brazilian champion Palmeiras in the beginning of next year.
The 25-year-old son of Chapecoense coach Caio Junior, Matheus Saroli, didn’t travel because he found out at the airport that he had forgotten his passport.
Chapeco Mayor Luciano Buligon also was expected to be on the plane, but he didn’t make the flight because of a last-minute meeting scheduled before the trip.
Here is a look at some of Chapecoense’s players and officials who weres traveling to Colombia for the first leg of the final against Atletico Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana, the equivalent of UEFA’s Europa League:
CAIO JUNIOR
Position: Coach
Age: 51
History: A former player, Caio Junior had said this week that “without a doubt” he was enjoying “the best moment” of his career. He had previously coached some of Brazil’s top teams, including Flamengo, Botafogo and Palmeiras, but it was with Chapecoense that he finally received the credit that he felt he deserved. He also successfully coached in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
ANDERSON PAIXAO
Position: Physical trainer
Age: 37
History: He is the son of Paulo Paixao, who was the physical trainer of Brazil’s national team when it won the 2002 World Cup under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. In addition to working at Chapecoense, he was also a member of the Brazilian national team. Local media said one of Anderson Paixao’s sons turned 9 years old on Tuesday. Paulo Paixao had already lost a 25-year-old son because of heart failure in 2002.
TIAGUINHO
Position: Striker
Age: 22
History: The speedy forward scored the team’s last goal before the trip to Colombia, a powerful left-footed shot that gave his team a 2-0 win over Sao Paulo in the Brazilian league. Tiaguinho found out a week ago that he was going to be a father for the first time.
CLEBER SANTANA
Position: Midfielder
Age: 35
History: The team captain, Santana was one of the most experienced members of the squad, having played in some of the country’s top teams including Sao Paulo, Santos and Flamengo. After succeeding in Brazil, he was signed by Atletico Madrid and stayed with the Spanish club from 2007-10. He also played briefly in Japan earlier in his career. Santana had been with Chapecoense since 2015.
BRUNO RANGEL
Position: Striker
Age: 34
History: An idol in Chapeco, Rangel was the team’s all-time top scorer with 81 goals, including a club best 10 goals from this year’s Brazilian league. He arrived at Chapecoense in 2013 and immediately led the club to the top flight as the leading scorer in the second division with a record 31 goals. The success led to a move to Qatari club Al-Arabi, but he returned to Chapecoense in 2014, becoming crucial to the team’s successful campaigns recently.
DANILO
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 31
History: Danilo became a hero after his last-minute save secured a 0-0 draw against Argentina’s San Lorenzo in the second leg of the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana last week, a result that led the club to the final against Atletico Nacional. He became an instant sensation thanks to the decisive stop and was invited to television shows across the country. He was among the players rescued from the crash but later died from his injuries.
EVERTON KEMPES
Position: Forward
Age: 34
History: The veteran player was one of the team’s leading scorers in this year’s Brazilian league with nine goals, one less than Bruno Rangel. After arriving at the beginning of the season, he became a key figure in Chapecoense’s attack.
ANANIAS
Position: Forward
Age: 27
History: Ananias was a guaranteed starter for Chapecoense, but was better known for having spoiled Palmeiras’ party when it inaugurated its new stadium a few years ago. He scored the first goal at the venue, leading Sport — his team at the time — to a stunning 2-0 win.
FILIPE MACHADO
Position: Defender
Age: 32
History: The defender was one of Chapecoense’s players with the most experience internationally after playing for small clubs in Spain, Italy and Russia. He filmed a video from inside the plane just before the team started the trip to Colombia.
JOSIMAR
Position: Midfielder
Age: 30
History: A leader of the team in midfield, Josimar was one of the club’s most experienced players after stints with top teams such as Palmeiras and Internacional.
