J-League MVP Leandro dies after battling testicular cancer...He was 41 years old
Apr 02, 2025
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Brazilian media 'O Globo' reported on the 1st (local time) that Leandro died on the 1st after battling testicular cancer for three years starting in 2022.
Leandro's former team Vitoria (Brazil) said on its official SNS, "'The club deeply mourns the death of idol Leandro. Leandro was one of the greatest players in club history to lead a six-time Bahia champion and a Noist Cup championship. He rose to prominence at the 2008 Brazil Championship, helping the club achieve its best ranking ever.
Then 'Leandro was a true master on the field. He always showed his determination and passion for the club. His dedication and example as a human being will continue to inspire future generations.'"
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Leandro, who joined Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in 2010 and had a relationship with the J-League, scored 13 goals in his first season to lead Kashiwa's promotion to the first division. The following year, he scored 15 goals in the J1 League, leading his team to the championship, and he won the MVP award.
Leandro, who helped Kashiwa win the Super Cup and the Japanese King's Cup in 2012, scored a total of three goals in two consecutive games against Jeonbuk in the same year's Asian Champions League, causing Jeonbuk to be eliminated from the group stage.
He moved to Nagoya Grampus in 2014 and played for two seasons, then retired from betim (Brazil) in 2022 after playing for vitoria, portugesa and Yokohama FC.
Leandro, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022, underwent a transplant last year, but died a year later.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
