On November 30, 2024, Botafogo achieved glory by winning the Copa Libertadores. However, one of the most touching moments of the celebration came from captain Marlon Freitas, who dedicated the historic victory to the memory of his late father, who passed away seven years ago.

A Heartfelt Tribute

After receiving the trophy, Marlon Freitas stepped away from the noise and went alone to the locker room, where he dedicated the triumph to his father, Itamar, who died in 2017 at the age of 54 due to cancer. In an emotional moment, Marlon said:
"I did it, Dad. We did it."

A Loss That Shaped His Life

Marlon’s relationship with his father was pivotal in his football journey. In 2017, while playing for Fluminense, he learned of his father’s passing while preparing for a match against Chapecoense in Chapecó. Due to flight cancellations, Marlon was unable to attend the funeral, a moment that deeply impacted him.

In an interview with CONMEBOL, he recalled:

"It was my dream and his dream. I couldn’t go to my father’s funeral. The image I have of my father is a happy one; he believed in me so much."