Chapecoense crash survivor Ruschel retires at 37

Alan Ruschel signed for Juventude in 2023 GETTY IMAGES

Alan Ruschel, one of the six survivors of the 2016 plane crash that killed 71 people, including 19 Chapecoense players and members of the club’s coaching staff, has retired from professional football at the age of 37.

The Brazilian defender brought his career to an emotional end by helping his boyhood club, Juventude, secure promotion to Brazil’s Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Botafogo.

Ruschel came off the bench in the 74th minute of the encounter at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, marking his final appearance before receiving an emotional farewell from supporters, who celebrated his contribution with a lap of honour.

Before kick-off, the defender was also carried into the stadium on the shoulders of fans in recognition of his remarkable journey.

Ruschel suffered serious injuries in the November 29, 2016, air disaster in Colombia, which claimed the lives of 71 people. He underwent spinal surgery and faced uncertainty over whether he would ever play football again.

However, he made an incredible return to the sport a year later, continuing his professional career despite the physical and emotional challenges of the tragedy.

The defender rejoined Juventude in 2023, having first represented the club in 2007, and leaves with the satisfaction of helping them return to Brazil’s top division.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, speaking after his final game, Ruschel described the achievement as a fitting end to his career.

“I arrived here in 2007 with the club in Serie A and I am leaving the club there as well,” he told a Brazilian television station.

He also explained that recurring injuries had influenced his decision to retire.

“My body wasn’t responding any more. I had two consecutive knee surgeries, so I was starting to fight with my own body.

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“It wasn’t working any more, even though being on the pitch was always a pleasure,” he said.

In a social media video announcing his retirement a day before the match, Ruschel reflected on the tragedy that changed his life forever.

“Football has given me wonderful moments, but life has put me in front of challenges that I never imagined. November 29, 2016, a day that changed my life forever.

“I lost friends, companions and people with whom I shared dreams and projects.

“And God gave me a second chance. I didn’t know if I would be able to play football again, but I believed that if I was here, there was still a purpose for my life.

“And today, I have the privilege of being able to choose the moment to say goodbye,” he said.

While Ruschel celebrated a memorable farewell, his former club Chapecoense experienced a disappointing end to their campaign.

Chapecoense were relegated to Brazil’s Serie B after just one season in the top flight, having managed only four victories in 34 matches.

Their relegation means they will return to the second division, effectively being replaced in Serie A by Juventude.

For Ruschel, however, the final chapter of his playing career could hardly have been more fitting: a return to the top flight with the club where his professional journey began.