Neneca, former goalkeeper for Guarani, Santo André, América-MG and Figueirense, dies at age 45

Former goalkeeper Neneca , who played for several national football teams, including São Paulo's Santo André , Guarani , União Barbarense and Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, as well as América-MG , Figueirense and, lastly, União Rondonópolis , died on the afternoon of this Monday, 22, in Rondonópolis, in the interior of Mato Grosso.

Neneca was 45 years old and was trying to recover from a heart attack, suffered last Friday while watching a União de Rondonópolis under-17 match.

Born in the interior city of Mato Grosso, on September 11, 1980, and baptized Anderson Soares da Silva, Neneca was revealed in Mato Grosso football, but began to stand out at Flamengo de Guarulhos in the early 2000s and had his best moments at Santo André, América Mineiro and União Barbarense, where he was Brazilian champion of Series C in 2004.

"Esporte Clube Santo André expresses its deepest condolences for the passing of Anderson Soares da Silva, the eternal Neneca, which occurred this Monday, at the age of 45, in Rondonópolis-MT. An idol of Ramalhão, Neneca defended our shirt in more than 180 official matches, being a fundamental part of winning the Série A-2 of the 2008 São Paulo Championship", lamented Santo André.

"On and off the field, she built a career marked by dedication, professionalism, and love for football. Esporte Clube Santo André expresses its solidarity with her family, friends, and fellow professionals during this time of grief, wishing everyone strength and comfort. Rest in peace, Neneca."

Neneca played for several other teams such as Nacional-SP, Rio Branco de Andradas-MG, Oeste, União São João, Figueirense, Guarani, Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, among others, in addition to having played in Poland.

His career lasted until he was 42, when he retired from União Rondonópolis, where he dedicated himself to the role of technical coordinator.

"Guarani received with great sadness the news of the death of Anderson Soares da Silva, Neneca, former goalkeeper who wore the Guarani shirt in the 2015 season. Guarani offers its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this time of mourning."