A legend in São Paulo and a cherished guest at the Dana Cup
In 1982, he came to the Dana Cup with talented, well-mannered and joy-spreading Brazilian boys.
He had gathered them from the sun-scorched narrow streets of São Paulo, where they played with worn-out footballs. He brought them into what would grow into Clube Pequeninos do Jockey. There, José Guimarães Júnior cared for the boys and developed them into outstanding football players.
Brazil was in mourning when the legend José Guimarães Júnior passed away at the age of 92. The many young Brazilian boys who came into contact with “Jockey” and whom he guided towards a good life and football careers, owe a deep debt of gratitude to the man who became their educator and mentor.
And it was clear that José Guimarães Júnior himself felt truly at home when travelling the world with young players, including at the Dana Cup in Hjørring, which he first attended in 1982. This marked the beginning of a 37-year era, only interrupted by the pandemic in 2019.
Over the years, José Guimarães Júnior brought 74 teams to the Dana Cup. These teams always created excitement among spectators and opponents alike. Everyone looked forward, even knowing defeat was likely, to playing against Clube Pequeninos do Jockey. From the sidelines, admiration could always be heard as the Brazilians performed their magic with a style of play filled with fairness, fully reflecting the spirit of Jockey.
Across the years, they won 26 gold, 3 silver, and 11 bronze trophies.
All players had quality and some even used their football upbringing at Clube Pequeninos do Jockey to reach international top-level careers, including Zé Roberto and Júlio César Baptista. Both have participated in the Dana Cup. A strong friendship developed between Dana Cup and Clube Pequeninos do Jockey, built largely on admiration and respect for José Guimarães Júnior and the dedicated leaders who always accompanied the teams from São Paulo.
Brazil greatly appreciated José Guimarães Júnior. This was evident when he was selected to carry the Olympic torch in 2016 during the Olympic Games in Brazil, one of the highest honours in sport. He was chosen because of his lifelong work with children and football.
Jockey’s deep affection for the Dana Cup was especially evident on that occasion. He had just arrived in Hjørring with his travelling team after a visit to Gothenburg. At the age of 82, he then travelled on to São Paulo to carry the Olympic torch. After completing this honour, he returned to Hjørring to rejoin his boys.
Dana Cup also had the opportunity to visit Jockey on his home ground, an experience that has never been forgotten in Hjørring. During a promotional tour in South America, the Dana Cup team of course travelled via São Paulo. While there were agents to visit, the greatest experience in Brazil’s largest city was the visit to Clube Pequeninos do Jockey and José Guimarães Júnior.
Rest in Peace.
