The football community remains in a state of relief following the intense scenes at the Maracana on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
During the sixth round of the Campeonato Carioca, Sampaio Correa-RJ midfielder Alexandre Souza, 24, collapsed on the pitch just eight minutes into the match against Flamengo, triggering an immediate medical emergency.
Minutes of panic in Rio
The referee paused the match after Souza fell to the ground with no other players nearby. Realising the severity of the situation, Flamengo players immediately signalled for medical assistance as the midfielder began to suffer a seizure.
The stadium fell into stunned silence as an ambulance entered the pitch. In a powerful display of solidarity, players from both teams formed a prayer circle while medical staff worked to stabilise Souza.
He was eventually transported to Hospital Quinta D’Or in Rio’s North Zone. Although he regained consciousness in the ambulance, a report from Brazilian outlet Terra later confirmed that he suffered a second seizure shortly after arriving at the hospital, requiring further stabilisation by the neurology team.
Defying the odds (2024–2026)
What makes this incident particularly poignant is Souza’s history of overcoming near-impossible adversity.
In January 2024, while working a second job as a motorcycle taxi driver to support his football career, the Brazilian was involved in a devastating accident after being struck by a car.
The injuries were so severe that doctors initially feared Souza would become tetraplegic. He spent months in a neck brace, undergoing gruelling rehabilitation to regain basic motor functions.
Remarkably, after a full year away from the pitch, Souza made an emotional return to professional football in January 2025. His appearance in the 2026 Campeonato Carioca was a testament to his determination and earned him the opportunity to play at the iconic Maracana.
Official medical status
As of 9 February 2026, Sampaio Correa-RJ have issued an official medical bulletin regarding the midfielder’s condition. According to club doctor Dr Lucas Vargas, the outlook is cautiously optimistic:
“The athlete underwent a CT scan and an electrocardiogram. No cardiac or neurological lesions were found.
“He remains stable and under observation for a minimum of 24 hours, during which he will undergo an MRI and further blood tests.”
The club have confirmed that initial screenings ruled out permanent brain damage or immediate heart failure. Souza has since communicated via social media, thanking fans for the “thousands of messages” and reaffirming his desire to return to the sport he fought so hard to rejoin.
While Flamengo secured a 7–1 victory, the collective concern for Souza’s well-being overshadowed the final result. The footballing world now awaits the results of his final MRI before he can begin the process of returning to his family and eventually, the pitch.