Clésio Ricardo was the president of the Sagres parish council since October 9, 2021
Clésio Ricardo, president of Sagres parish council and head coach of local club CR Infante de Sagres, died of a heart attack during a veterans’ football match in Vila do Bispo on Saturday at the age of 47.
An outpouring of tributes followed the tragic news.
“Paraplegic since 2011, Clésio Ricardo regained his motivation in football, having led the youth teams of CR Infante de Sagres for several seasons,” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement lamenting his death.
The municipal council of Vila do Bispo has declared three days of municipal mourning, which will see the municipality’s flag flying at half-mast.
“Clésio Ricardo was the president of the Sagres parish council since October 9, 2021, a role that he served with great commitment, availability and dedication to the parish and its population (…),” the council said in a statement, also highlighting the “passion and commitment” with which he coached the local club’s youth teams.
CR Infante de Sagres has also lamented the death of “our dear coach Clésio Ricardo,” stressing his years of hard work and dedication to the club.
