"Having Marcelinho Carioca in this event reinforces what Esportes da Sorte stands for: football is about passion, memory, and connection. We want fans to live unique experiences that bring the brand closer to those who make the sport happen—on and off the field,” said Marcela Campos, Vice President of Esportes Gaming Brasil Group.
The experience was unforgettable for Lucas Fonseca, who traveled 140 kilometers to meet the “Pé de Anjo” (Angel Foot) in person. “For me, he’s the greatest idol in Corinthians’ history! This is my first visit to the Arena Itaquera—I’ll never forget this day,” he said.
Renata Ramos joined the contest to surprise her father, who turns 68 this week. “It was the perfect early birthday gift—jersey, souvenirs, and this incredible experience in the VIP box,” she celebrated.
Regular stadium-goers Jhonatan da Silva and Nathaly Oliveira made the most of every moment and were impressed by Marcelinho’s charisma. “He knew every chant and even led the crowd in a chorus of ‘Poropopó,’” said Jhonatan. “I asked him to record a motivational video for my futsal team, and he did it with so much enthusiasm. Marcelinho is pure humility,” added Nathaly.
‘Corinthians, my life…’
During the meet-and-greet, Marcelinho Carioca recalled memorable moments from his career and expressed his eternal bond with the Fiel (Corinthians fanbase). A key figure in the club’s golden era of the 1990s and 2000s, the former midfielder won 10 official titles, including the 1995 Copa do Brasil, 1998 and 1999 Brazilian Championships, and the 2000 FIFA Club World Cup. In 433 matches, he scored 206 goals, making him one of the club’s all-time top scorers.
Even after his retirement in 2009, Marcelinho’s connection with Corinthians remains strong: “For me, it will always be ‘Corinthians, my life, Corinthians, my story, Corinthians, my love.’ My love for this club is extraordinary. This partnership between the club, Pé-de-Anjo, and Esportes da Sorte unites past and future,” he said.
After the private meeting with the contest winners, Marcelinho spent about an hour in the arena’s main hall, taking photos and signing autographs for fans. Today, he works as a commentator and host, leading PodPé, participating in PodPah, and presenting the Rádio MC7 program, aired daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring interviews and football analysis.
Esportes da Sorte
Esportes da Sorte is one of Brazil’s leading sports betting platforms, operating 100% nationally under a license granted by the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF) to Esportes Gaming Brasil, the group that also manages the brands OnaBet and Lottu.
The group employs hundreds of people directly and indirectly and is Great Place to Work-certified, built on pillars of innovation, responsible gaming, and regulatory advocacy. It maintains strategic partnerships with institutions such as ANJL, IBIA, Sportradar, EBAC, and IAA, reinforcing practices of control, gambling addiction prevention, and user protection.
Beyond betting, Esportes da Sorte invests heavily in sports, culture, and social projects. It is the main sponsor of clubs such as Corinthians, Ceará, Ferroviária, and Náutico, and supports major cultural events including Galo da Madrugada, the Carnival of Recife and Olinda, and the Parintins Festival. The brand also strengthens its digital presence through creative campaigns and influencer partnerships, deepening its connection with audiences across online platforms.
Source: GMB
