The final of the 2025 Campeonato Paraense, held on the night of May 7, 2025, at the Estádio Mangueirão in Belém, was not only marked by a thrilling match but also by a serious incident involving players Jaderson from Remo and Joaquín Novillo from Paysandu. The clash occurred during the second half, specifically at the 26-minute mark, when both players collided head-on, leading to a moment of intense concern for fans and players alike.
The incident prompted an immediate stoppage of the game, with three ambulances rushing onto the field to attend to the injured players. Jaderson, the Remo midfielder, remained unconscious for several minutes and was subsequently transported from the pitch by ambulance. In contrast, Novillo, the Paysandu defender, managed to walk off the field with assistance, despite sustaining visible injuries including a bleeding nose and a hematoma on his forehead.
Medical evaluations revealed that Jaderson suffered a cerebral contusion and a subdural hematoma. According to the Núcleo Azulino de Saúde e Performance (NASP), he is currently conscious, stable, and under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with no neurological deficits. The medical team continues to monitor his condition closely. In a statement, the club's medical doctor, Dr. Jean Klay S. Machado, confirmed that, while Jaderson's injuries do not require surgery at this time, he will need to adhere to strict recovery protocols.
In a post-match update, it was reported that Novillo underwent CT scans of the skull and face, which indicated mild traumatic brain injury but no serious neurological damage. He was discharged from the hospital and is expected to follow the recovery protocol established by Paysandu's medical staff.
The collision sparked a wave of anxiety among players and fans, halting the match for nearly ten minutes. During this time, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted from excitement over the game to a somber concern for the players' well-being. The game resumed after both players were safely off the field, with Remo leading 3-2 at that point.
Despite the alarming incident, the match itself was a showcase of skill and determination. Remo managed to secure a narrow victory over their fierce rivals, setting the stage for a tense second leg of the final. The return match is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 5 PM (Brasília time), also at the Estádio Mangueirão.
The clash between these two teams, known for their intense rivalry, was further intensified by the stakes of the Campeonato Paraense final. Both teams displayed remarkable resilience and determination, with Remo's Sávio shining as a standout performer. He played a crucial role in the victory, despite acknowledging some defensive lapses from Paysandu that contributed to the scoreline.
Coach Daniel Paulista of Remo commented on the situation, expressing his hopes for the swift recovery of both players involved in the collision. “From what I’ve heard, Jaderson is in the hospital but seems to be conscious. Of course, he will undergo further tests to ensure there are no complications. Whenever there is a head clash, there is concern on both sides. He was already going to be substituted due to a muscle issue, and unfortunately, this incident occurred,” he said. His sentiments were echoed by Luan, a player from Paysandu, who urged fans to keep both players in their thoughts and prayers.
The incident highlights the growing awareness and implementation of concussion protocols in football, particularly following FIFA's recent measures aimed at protecting players from head injuries. Since July 1, 2024, the concussion protocol allows for emergency substitutions in cases of suspected brain injuries without counting against the team's total substitutions. This rule was crucial in the decision-making process during the match, as both teams were granted additional substitutions due to the nature of the incident.
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the focus will not only be on the match itself but also on the health and recovery of Jaderson and Novillo. Both players will be sidelined for at least ten days as per the concussion protocol, which prohibits participation in competitive play following such injuries. This means they will miss the upcoming clash on May 11 and a subsequent Serie B match on May 14.
Fans and players alike are hopeful for a positive update on their condition as they recover from this unsettling event. The sports community is rallying around both athletes, underscoring the importance of safety and health in the sport.
The final score of the first leg stands at 3-2 in favor of Remo, but with the second match on the horizon, anything is possible. Both teams will be eager to claim the championship title, but the health of their players remains the top priority.
