Chapecoense goalkeeper Danilo, who was killed in the Colombian air crash last month, was posthumously named Brazil’s player of the year after a vote by fans. Danilo, whose last-gasp save in the semi-final against San Lorenzo helped his side into the Copa Sudamericana final, got 48% of the internet vote.
- His mother, Ilaides Padilha, collected the award on his behalf at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
About Danilo:
Marcos Danilo Padilha (31 July 1985 – 29 November 2016), simply known as Danilo, was a Brazilian footballer who last played for Chapecoense as a goalkeeper.
Born in Cianorte, Paraná, Danilo made his senior debuts with hometown’s Cianorte. After subsequently playing for lower teams in the same state he joined Londrina in May 2011.
In September 2013 Danilo joined Chapecoense on loan until the end of the year. He made his professional debut on 23 November, starting in a 2–1 away win against Icasa for the Série B championship; it was his maiden appearance in the competition, as his side finished second and was promoted to Série A for the first time ever.
In January 2014 Danilo joined Chape permanently, and made his top level debut on 19 April 2014, starting and keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 home draw against Coritiba. He was an ever-present figure during the campaign, being an important defensive unit as his side maintained its division status