Washington Rodrigues Obituary and Death: Apolinho, Legendary Brazilian Commentator and Presenter on Super Rádio Tupi, Dies at 87
Washington Rodrigues, affectionately known as Apolinho, a pioneering Brazilian sports commentator and presenter on Super Rádio Tupi, passed away on May 15, 2024, at the age of 87. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer at Hospital Samaritano in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
Born on September 1, 1936, in Rio de Janeiro, Washington Rodrigues was a passionate football enthusiast from an early age. He organized school trips to the newly inaugurated Maracanã and played indoor football as a child while working as a banker. His love for football led him to send news reports to Rádio Guanabara, which eventually hired him.
Apolinho’s broadcasting career spanned over six decades, during which he became renowned for his irreverence, creativity, and iconic pairings with fellow commentators. He worked on Rio de Janeiro’s principal broadcasters and was part of historical formations, including the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Apolinho’s most recent stint on Super Rádio Tupi began in 1999 with the traditional Show do Apolinho, which entertained and enlightened listeners for over two decades. He formed another remarkable communication pair with Luiz Penido, and their commentary on Rio football and Brazilian team broadcasts was highly acclaimed.
In addition to his work on Super Rádio Tupi, Apolinho was a member of Luiz Penido’s Saturday afternoon Show da Galera commentary bench and the principal sports commentator on the station. His legacy extends beyond his broadcasting career, as he was a beloved figure in Brazilian sports journalism.
Super Rádio Tupi celebrated 25 years of Show do Apolinho in February, featuring longtime collaborators Marcus Vinícius and Anderson Almeida. The current lineup included producer Deysi de Assis and the renowned ‘Robetão’, a robot, ET, and dwarf.
Washington Rodrigues’ passing is a significant loss to the Brazilian sports community, and his legacy will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His irreverence, creativity, and passion for football inspired generations of sports journalists and enthusiasts alike.
Apolinho’s impact on Brazilian sports broadcasting is immeasurable, and his contributions to Super Rádio Tupi will always be remembered. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of sports commentators and presenters.
In the days ahead, friends, family, and colleagues will come together to celebrate Washington Rodrigues’ life and legacy. They will share stories and memories of his time on and off the air, and his memory will be honored through the countless lives he touched.
Washington Rodrigues may be gone, but his legacy will live on through the impact he had on Brazilian sports journalism. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and the Super Rádio Tupi community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The news of Washington Rodrigues’ passing has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian sports community, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. He was a true legend in his field, and his contributions to Super Rádio Tupi will always be remembered.
Apolinho’s legacy extends beyond his broadcasting career, as he was a beloved figure in Brazilian sports journalism. His passion for football and his irreverence inspired generations of sports journalists and enthusiasts alike.
In the weeks and months ahead, Super Rádio Tupi will continue to celebrate Washington Rodrigues’ life and legacy, sharing stories and memories of his time on and off the air. His memory will be honored through the countless lives he touched, and his legacy will live on through the impact he had on Brazilian sports journalism.
