On A Day Like Today: Walter Marciano passes away in a car accident

On June 21st, 1961, Valencia CF player Walter Marciano was killed in a traffic accident on the road to El Saler in Spain. The car in which he was travelling collided with a drinks lorry and the Brazilian lost his life, whilst two others in the vehicle -Sócrates and Coll- miraculously survived.

The league season was about to conclude, and nine Valencia CF players -Walter, Sócrates, Ribelles, Ginesta, Piquer, Sendra, Fuertes and Mestre- had gone to eat a paella in a restaurant near to Mestalla. They then decided to head to the Albufera nature reserve, but along the way were involved in the fatal incident.

Walter’s death caused a tremendous impact around Valencia CF, and was covered at a national level and in his native Brazil. The club quickly organised a benefit friendly to raise money for the family of the footballer, who left behind a 5 year old son.

Ten days after the accident, Brazilian club Fluminense -who were on a European tour- visited a packed Mestalla for the game.

Fluminense won 2-3, and one of their players was particularly impressive: Striker Waldo’s fitness and skill made an impact on fans and watching board members, and he would end up signing for Valencia CF. During his time at the club, he would help internationalise the entity and enjoy success in Europe, winning the Fairs Cup twice and becoming one of their all-time top scorers.