Clovis Acosta Fernandes, Brazil's biggest fan and World Cup icon, dies aged 60

Fernandes provided one of the most iconic images of the last World Cup

Clovis Fernandes, one of the world's most famous football supporters, has died, according to reports in Brazil.

Fernandes, also known as 'Gaucho da Copa', was the Brazilian national team's most famous fan, attending more than 150 of the team's matches in over 60 different countries and seven different World Cup finals.

He gained further popularity when an image of him was shared widely on social media following Brazil's 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals of last year's World Cup.

The picture showed Fernandes clutching tightly to a replica model of the FIFA World Cup Trophy with tears in his eyes as he attempted to come to terms with the astonishing defeat.

It later emerged that Fernandes had passed his replica trophy on to a German fan, apparently telling her to "...take it to the final. As you can see, it is not easy, but you deserve it, congratulations."

Fernandes, who has passed away at the age of 60, was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago, according to Brazilian media outlet Globo. His death was announced by Hospital Santa Casa in Porto Alegre.

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