Brazilian footballer, 31, shot dead minutes after lifting trophy in drive-by killing

Jarlucio Coehlo Santos, had celebrated with his team after winning a tournament in his hometown of Palmas de Monte Alto, Brazil, when he was fatally shot. Santos, 31, had returned to the car park to change his clothes when he has hit in a drive-by shooting.

The attacker, who reportedly was riding a motorcycle, shot the footballer twice before fleeing in the direction of Guanambi, a neighbouring city.

Santos had just won the Second Sitio Brutus Football Championship, a tournament run by Liga Desportiva Guanambiense. All matches have been suspended in the Guanbaniese Municipal Championship until September 10.

A statement posted by the league on Instagram said: “Due to the event this past Sunday with the death of player Jarlucio, the Guanambiense municipal championship will be suspended this week. “We will return next Tuesday, September 10, with the same schedule as this week.”

Replying to the post another player, Helio Oliveira, said: “Regional championships will never be the same.”

Santos was laid to rest on September 2 at Malhada do Meio Cemetery. At the time of publication, police say no arrests have been made.