Fernando Chalana, a former Portuguese international who played for Benfica, Bordeaux, Belenenses, and Estrela Amadora, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the age of 63. Between 1975 and 1992, the player known as the “Pequeno Genial” displayed all of his playing prowess. He had previously served as Benfica’s interim coach in 2008.
How Did Legend Fernando Chalana Died?
The Portuguese playmaker of the 80s and famous mustache died at the age of 63.
“Our Pequeno Genial” (“little genius”) is dead”, Benfica commemorates Fernando his Charana, who died at the age of 63 on Wednesday on its website. The former Portuguese forward wore the Eagles jersey over 13 of his seasons (1974-1984, 1987-1990), winning six Portuguese league titles and three Portuguese Cups. He was named Portuguese Player of the Year in 1976 and 1984. Nominated 27 times, he won the 1984 European Championships in France when Seleção das Quinas reached the Blues’ semi-finals after a crazy game in Marseille (3-2 after extra time). ), causing an uproar.
A few weeks later, the famous mustachioed player was hired by Girondins de Bordeaux for a record sum of 18 million francs. Plagued by injuries, making just 22 appearances in the Bordeaux shirt, his D1 era (1984–87) is still marked by his 1985 French champion title.
“It is with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of Fernando Chalana. His football in the Girondins of Bordeaux. His club extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” he said. Social wrote on his network.
Who was Fernando chalana?
Born in Barreiro, Setubal district, Chalana started his football career with FC. He moved to Barreirense, then a neighbor in Lisbon S.L. At Benfica in 1974, he made his mark by scoring goals and assisting for the next eight years. On 17 November 1976, at just 17 years old (the fourth youngest in history), Charana won his first cap for Portugal in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Denmark.
The peak of his career came right on the international front with his UEFA Euro 1984 in France. There, the little prodigy was one of his key figures on the team, showing off some spectacular dribbling throughout the tournament. Notably, in the semi-finals where he lost 3–2 to the host nation, Louis set up his two goals for Jordan.
After the tournament, Chalana joined that country’s clubs, FC Girondins and Bordeaux, where he failed to make an impression in three full seasons, mainly due to persistent injuries. In 1987 he returned to Benfica, but never regained his original form. His last cap came in a friendly against Sweden on 12 November 1988, which ended in a goalless draw. Chalana, 33 years old, played for Lisbon-based clubs C. Os Belenenses and C.F. Estrella da Amadora, the latter of the second division.
In 1999-2000, Chalana topped Benfica’s junior team and won the national championship. Four years later, he had his first coaching experience when he was at Modesto FC. Pacos de Ferreira could be relegated to the top of his division at the age of 17.
The following year, Chalana was assistant to several coaches at Benfica. However, he replaced Jose Antonio Camacho in March 2008 after the Spaniard was sacked. In 2002, he played for the sacked Gesualdo Ferreira. In that match, he deployed winger Miguel at right-back, eventually gaining worldwide recognition. After another season as an assistant, now at Quique Sanchez Flores, Charana returned to coaching the junior team.
Personal life of Fernando Chalana
In addition to his given name, Chalana went by the monikers Astérix and Chalanix (as his mustache resembled the comic character)
Honors
- Part 1: 1975–76, 1976–77, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1988–89
- Portuguese Cup: 1979–80, 1980–81, 1982–83
- Candido de Oliveira Supercup: 1980, 1989
- cup of honor
- Bordeaux
- Access 1: 1984-85, 1986-87
- Coupe de France: 1985-86, 1986-87
- Trophy of Champions: 1986
- Individually
- Portuguese Player of the Year: 1976, 1984
- UEFA European Championship Tournament Teams: 1984
Tribute to Fernando Chalana
Fernando Chalana, a former player for Benfica and Girondins de Bordeaux, passed away on Wednesday, August 10. The 63-year-old former attacking midfielder and international for Portugal played midfield. His death was not due to any known causes.
Fernando Chalana, o nosso Pequeno Genial, faleceu, aos 63 anos, na madrugada desta quarta-feira, 10 de agosto. pic.twitter.com/uWUGZzgWVe
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) August 10, 2022
Portuguese footballer of the year was chosen twice for Chalana, a renowned Benfica player, in 1976 and 1984. His Asterix-inspired moniker “Chalanix” was given to him because of his distinctive mustache and diminutive (1.65 m) stature. During Euro 1984, he also excelled particularly in France. In the semifinal matchup with France, his selection came to an end. Later, the aggressive midfielder joined the Girondins de Bordeaux, the French champions at the time.
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But the pocket player was never able to showcase his full potential on the banks of the Garonne due to injuries. He has played almost twenty matches in three years. His name is still associated with a night in March 1985 in Bordeaux as the night’s hero.
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