Brazilian football is in mourning following the death of former midfielder Carlos Alberto Araújo prestes, known affectionately as Tato, on Tuesday at the age of 64. A key figure during a golden era for Rio de Janeiro’s Fluminense Football Club,Tato was a Brazilian Championship winner in 1984 adn a three-time Campeonato Carioca champion between 1983 and 1985. His passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and the club, who remembered him as an icon of the Tricolor and a beloved figure in Brazilian football history.
Tato jogou pelo Fluminense entre 1983 e 1988, em um dos períodos mais vitoriosos do clubeDivulgação
Publicado 27/01/2026 09:55 | Atualizado 27/01/2026 10:08
Brazilian football is mourning the loss of Fluminense legend Tato, who passed away this Tuesday, January 27th. The club announced the news on social media, extending its deepest condolences to his family and celebrating the career of the 64-year-old, a Brazilian champion in 1984 and a three-time Carioca champion in 1983, 1984, and 1985.
“Our strength and solidarity go to friends, family, and all fans and admirers of our idol in this difficult time. Tato will forever be marked in the history of Fluminense Football Club,” the statement read.
É com muita tristeza que recebemos a noticia da morte do ídolo Tato, campeão brasileiro em 1984 e tricampeão carioca em 1983, 84 e 85.
Carlos Alberto Araújo Prestes chegou ao Fluminense em 1983, aos 22 anos, e rapidamente identificou-se com as três cores. Parte fundamental de… pic.twitter.com/tHOWUaEere
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) January 27, 2026
Carlos Alberto Araújo Prestes, known as Tato, joined Fluminense in 1983 from Goiânia, following stints with Internacional and Coritiba. He quickly became a key figure in one of the club’s most successful eras, establishing himself as a fan favorite with his dynamic play.
Tato’s Career Before Fluminense
During his time with Fluminense, he also secured victories in the Seoul Tournament, the Paris Tournament, and the Kirin Cup. The left winger featured in a total of 236 matches for the Tricolor, scoring 17 goals.
A left-footed dribbler, Tato was known for his attacking style, consistently driving at defenders and delivering crosses into the box. He also possessed the ability to cut inside and shoot, making him a constant threat.
In the historic 1984 Brazilian Championship campaign, Tato scored a crucial goal in the semifinal against Corinthians. “One of the most important goals of my career ended up coming off my right foot. One of the few I didn’t score with my left,” he recalled in a 2020 interview with Flu TV.
“I had to be always ready because I knew someone could take my position. So I worked very hard in training. But the group was sensational. Of course, everyone wanted to be a starter, but it was a healthy competition for a place,” he revealed.
Champion with Vasco as Well
After leaving Fluminense in 1988, Tato had a brief spell with Elche in Spain before joining Vasco da Gama, where he won the Brazilian Championship in 1989, departing in 1990. He later played for Sport, Santos, and returned to Coritiba to finish his career in 1992.
He also earned three caps for the Brazilian national team.
