Leivinha, the Brazilian footballer known for his spells with Portuguesa and Palmeiras and for appearances with the national team, died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born João Leiva Campos Filho in Novo Horizonte on September 11, 1949, he was widely called Leivinha, or “little Leiva,” and played as a striker or winger. His career ran from 1967 to 1979, and he later added a stint with Atlético de Madrid to club service in Brazil.
With those sides, he won national championships in Brazil and Spain, along with the UEFA and Intercontinental Cups. For Brazil, he earned 21 caps between June 1972 and June 1974, scoring seven goals, and appeared in three matches at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.