Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Football Club held a commemorative ceremony at Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hospital in Gia Lai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to Paollo Madeira Oliveira, a Brazilian-Portuguese striker who tragically lost his life in a recent traffic accident.

The event took place with permission granted by Paollo’s family and his fiancé in a solemn and heartfelt atmosphere, featuring prayers for the footballer who dedicated a part of his career to HAGL, who are competing in Vietnam’s top-tier V-League 1.

Although a large number of people had come to light incense for the late striker over the preceding three days, the gathering of people to bid farewell to him remained sizable as of Tuesday evening.

At around 8:00 pm, everyone present at the commemorative gathering held a candle and a flower while praying for Paollo.

Paollo, 27, and two other members of HAGL FC -- assistant coach Duong Minh Ninh and healthcare specialist Dao Trong Tri -- were killed in a tragic accident involving one four-seater car and two large trucks in Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province on Saturday afternoon, a day after the club’s last game of the season at Vinh Stadium against hosts Song Lam Nghe An in the namesake province.

He was born in 1996 and of dual Brazilian and Portuguese citizenship. 

He began playing professionally in Portugal for Raca Vermelha Imortal in 2015, then SC Farense in Portugal’s first division, but was loaned out many times.

In 2022, he decided to leave Portugal to join Hong Linh Ha Tinh, another V-League 1 club, before moving to HAGL this season. 

The striker played 23 matches and scored eight goals for Hong Linh Ha Tinh and continued his feat with six goals in 17 games at HAGL, making him the top scorer for the club, according to news site VnExpress.

“Before parting ways, let’s reminisce about Paollo, an endearing, charming, and tender person in his everyday life, yet an exceptional goal-scorer on the field,” Nguyen Tuan Anh, CEO of HAGL FC, said at Tuesday evening’s ceremony.

“Having journeyed from Brazil to Hong Linh Ha Tinh and eventually making his way to our Hoang Anh Gia Lai during the recent 2022-23 season, he exhibited a dynamic style of play infused with fervor and a touch of samba-like artistry. 

“Donning the Hoang Anh Gia Lai jersey, he managed to net crucial goals for the team.

“As the final whistle echoed through Vinh Stadium and the entire team dispersed, it marked a moment that forced us to confront the club’s sorrowful chapter -- the loss of three key members, including the remarkable striker, Paollo Madeira Oliveira.”

HAGL has successfully finalized the necessary steps to repatriate Paollo’s remains to Portugal, where his family is living, this weekend. All costs will be covered by the club.

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