Jonilson Motta e Motta, nicknamed 'O Tricolor' for his passion for Fluminense, died on January 22 after battling advanced pancreatic cancer. An active volunteer in his community in Espírito Santo, he left a legacy of serenity and support for others. His beloved team honored him three days later during a classic match at Maracanã.
Jonilson Motta e Motta, the fifth of seven children to a railway worker and a teacher, grew up in a home that doubled as a neighborhood gathering spot in Espírito Santo. His mother, a teacher and faith healer, instilled a sense of community in him, while his father, a football enthusiast and director at Desportiva Ferroviária, passed on his love for the sport. "My mother was a teacher and faith healer. So, our house was always full of children," recounted his brother Jonice Motta e Motta.
Jonilson graduated as a road technician from the Escola Técnica Federal do Espírito Santo, opened a bakery in the north of the state, and later settled in the Jacaraípe beach area in Serra, Greater Vitória. There, he actively participated in the neighborhood association, the Centro Espírita Lar Evangélico, and the Afecc at Hospital Santa Rita de Cássia, supporting cancer patients.
Diagnosed in July 2025 with aggressive advanced pancreatic cancer, he chose palliative treatment and spent his final months with family and friends, drawing on his spirituality. "In July last year, he was diagnosed with advanced and very aggressive pancreatic cancer. Whether due to his volunteer experience or his deep spirituality, he faced the diagnosis with great serenity," his brother recalled.
Even in his last days, while hospitalized, Jonilson advised a visiting psychologist on family issues, revealing his helpful nature. He passed away on January 22, 2026, and on January 25, Fluminense displayed his photo on the scoreboard during their 2-1 victory over Flamengo at Maracanã. "The Tricolor [team] even won 2-1. It was a fitting tribute to our Tricolor [Jonilson]," Jonice said.
Jonilson is survived by his children Heitor and Júlia, five siblings, and many friends.
