The life of former Newcastle Jets player Bernardo Ribeiro, who tragically passed away from a heart attack during a friendly in Brazil in May this year, was honoured with the first Bernardo Ribeiro Cup held in his honour on June 25.
Bernardo’s brother, Gabriel Ribeiro, organised the tournament in his hometown of Nova Friburgo.
Six teams took part in the competition, each representing the football clubs Bernardo played with or had links to: Escolinha de Futebol (Brazil), Flamengo (Brazil), Skenderbeu (Albania), IFK Mariehamn (Finland), Goela Seca (Brazil), and of course, Newcastle Jets (Australia).
Bernado’s wife, Katie, who is from Maitland, said: “The Jets were such a big part of Bernardo’s life and career, and he absolutely loved life in Newcastle.”
“It’s also where we met so it was very important to me to have the jets as part of the Bernardo Ribeiro Cup.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SELECTION OF IMAGES FROM THE INAUGURAL BERNARDO RIBEIRO CUP
Bernardo’s father and brother, as well as Katie’s brother, played in the Newcastle Jets team on the day, however it was Escolinha de Futebol who came out on top to win the tournament.
All participants were able to keep their shirts from the team that they played for on the day, and each shirt had the club’s crest, plus Bernardo’s name and number on them.
—- Thanks to Katie Ribeiro for sharing news and images from the inaugural Bernardo Ribeiro Cup with the club.
