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Former Benfica striker Manú dies at 43 in road accident

Emanuel Evaristo, known as Manú, a former striker who played for Benfica and FC Alverca among others, died following a road accident. His academy club announced his death on Sunday, July 12.

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Former Benfica striker Manú dies at 43 in road accident
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Former Portuguese striker Emanuel de Jesus Bonfim Evaristo, known as Manú, died at the age of 43 following a road accident. His academy club, FC Alverca, announced the news on Sunday, July 12.

“It is with great sadness that FC Alverca learned of the death of Manú, a former player of the club. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those who shared his life and career journey,” the club wrote on X.

A native of Setúbal, Manú made his professional debut at Alverca before joining Benfica, where he played 17 matches between 2004 and 2008. The Lisbon club paid tribute to him: “Benfica expresses its deep sadness following the death of Manú, a former player of the club. To his family and friends, the club extends its sincere condolences.”

His career took him around the world. In Portugal, he played for Lourinhanense, Estrela da Amadora, Marítimo, Vitória Setúbal, Cartaxo and Vilafranquense, where he retired at the end of the 2018-2019 season. Abroad, he played for Modena and Carpenedolo in Italy, AEK Athens in Greece, Legia Warsaw in Poland, Beijing Guoan in China, as well as Ermis Aradippou and Paphos in Cyprus.

His death comes just over a year after the death of Diogo Jota, who was also killed in a road accident, plunging Portuguese football into mourning once again.

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