BRAZIL international Everton Ribeiro has revealed he has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
The 36-year-old, who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A side Bahia, made the shock revelation this afternoon.
The footballer, who represented his country at the Copa America in 2015 and 2021 as well as the 2022 World Cup, said in an emotional Instagram post: “Hey there friends.
“I need to share some news with you. About a month ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Everton, who posted his message alongside a photo of him with wife Marília Nery and their two young children Guto and Antonio looking up at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, added: “I had surgery today and everything went well, thanks God.
“I’m still in recovery, with faith and the support of my family and you.
“Thank you for each of the prayers and the love. Having you guys by my side makes all the difference.
“I’m sure we’ll win this battle together.”
He finished his post with a heart and prayer emoticon.
Fans immediately reacted by offering him their support.
One said: “God is with you.”
Another wrote: “God bless you captain. Soon you will be back and 100% recovered and healed. God has greater plans for you and your family.”
A third said in an emotional reply: “I love you Everton Ribeiro.”
His Salvador-based club reacted by reposting his message on its own official social media.
Ribeiro, linked to Manchester United and Real Madrid in 2015 between spells at Cruzeiro and UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al-Ahli Dubai, signed a two-year contract with Bahia in January last year.
His club sides have also included Coritiba and Corinthians where he turned professional, as well as Flamengo, for which he made 275 appearances and scored 30 goals before joining Bahia.
He was capped 22 times for Brazil between 2014 and 2022.
Goalie Ann-Katrin Berger, who played for Birmingham City and Chelsea, overcame thyroid cancer twice after surgery in 2017 and 2022.
The German women’s national team shot-stopper said in a recent interview beating cancer helped her “live in the moment.”
It was not immediately clear last night how Ribeiro’s diagnosis and surgery would affect his career given his age.
Despite knowing he had cancer, Ribeiro played in his team’s 1-0 home victory against Flamengo yesterday and won praise for his performance in midfield.
Brazilian press said he was one of the key reasons Bahia dominated against their rivals.
He was substituted with just three minutes of full-time remaining. Bahia’s next game is on October 16.
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