In an unexpected turn of events, the beloved character Rubinho, played by Júlio Andrade in the 2025 remake of the popular Brazilian soap opera Vale Tudo, meets a tragic fate that promises to shake the foundations of the storyline. Viewers will witness Rubinho’s sudden death from a heart attack while he is at the airport, preparing for a long-awaited trip to New York.
Rubinho, a struggling musician and ex-husband of Raquel (Taís Araujo), has always dreamt of performing in the iconic jazz bars of New York. His aspirations take a hopeful turn when his childhood friend Renato (João Vicente de Castro) reconnects with him after years apart. Renato, moved by Rubinho’s talent and situation, pledges to help him realize his dream. He arranges for Rubinho to hitch a ride on a private jet owned by his cousin Marco Aurélio (Alexandre Nero), who initially refuses to help but later exploits the situation for his own benefit.
As the plot unfolds, viewers learn that Marco Aurélio has sinister intentions, using Rubinho to transport a suitcase filled with illicit money to the United States. In a twist of fate, Rubinho is given a suitcase identical to Marco Aurélio’s, leading to a mix-up that will have significant consequences. On the day of the flight, Rubinho begins to feel unwell as they take off, and despite efforts to save him, he suffers a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital.
Raquel, who has just said her goodbyes to Rubinho at the airport, is called to the hospital, where she witnesses his final moments. In a poignant scene, she hands him his passport, a symbol of his unfulfilled dreams, as he takes his last breath. This heartbreaking moment is underscored by the iconic song “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, echoing the dreams that will never be realized.
Following Rubinho’s death, a suitcase filled with cash inadvertently falls into Raquel’s possession. Initially, she is unaware of its contents, believing it to be a mere inheritance for her daughter, Maria de Fátima (Bella Campos). However, when Maria dismisses the suitcase, claiming it’s just old junk, Raquel hides it under her bed, not realizing the fortune it contains.
Days later, encouraged by Ivan (Renato Góes), Raquel finally decides to open the suitcase. What she discovers is shocking: hidden among sheet music, coffee bags, and boxes of chocolates are hundreds of dollar bills, potentially amounting to nearly a million dollars. This revelation sets off a chain of events that will complicate relationships and moral dilemmas among the characters.
As the storyline progresses, the implications of Rubinho’s death and the unexpected inheritance will create tension not only between Raquel and her daughter but also between Raquel and Ivan. While Ivan sees the money as an opportunity, Raquel grapples with the ethics of keeping it, wanting to return it to its rightful owner. This conflict will strain their relationship, leading to further complications.
Maria de Fátima, who has her own motives, will eventually orchestrate a plan to steal the money and frame Ivan, further complicating the dynamics between the characters. This betrayal will lead to a rift between mother and daughter, as Raquel uncovers the truth behind her daughter’s actions.
Rubinho’s demise, scheduled to air in episodes on April 21 and 22, 2025, marks a significant turning point in Vale Tudo. His tragic end not only fulfills the character arc established in the original 1988 version but also introduces new themes of greed, betrayal, and the quest for redemption among the remaining characters.
The choice of New York as Rubinho's dream destination symbolizes a yearning for social ascension, something he never achieved in life. His passport, a central object in his final scene, serves as a reminder of the dreams that went unfulfilled and the harsh reality of his struggles. The repetition of his heart attack in both versions of the show highlights how deeply intertwined his physical and emotional vulnerabilities are.
As the drama unfolds, viewers will be left to ponder the moral implications of wealth and the impact of loss on relationships. Raquel’s journey from grief to potential newfound wealth will be fraught with challenges, as she must navigate her daughter’s resentment and her own ethical dilemmas.
In the coming episodes, audiences can expect intense emotional scenes and dramatic confrontations as the characters grapple with the aftermath of Rubinho’s death. The storyline promises to delve into the complexities of family dynamics, the consequences of greed, and the search for identity in the wake of tragedy.
With the air dates for Rubinho’s final scenes quickly approaching, fans of Vale Tudo are eagerly anticipating how these developments will unfold. The show, airing from Monday to Saturday at 9:20 PM on Globo, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of drama and poignant storytelling.
As viewers prepare for the emotional rollercoaster ahead, one thing is clear: the repercussions of Rubinho’s death will be felt throughout the series, leaving a lasting impact on all characters involved. The legacy of his dreams, however unfulfilled, will continue to resonate, shaping the lives of those he leaves behind.
