Brazilian Footballer Jacy Maranhao Falls into Tunnel While Celebrating Disallowed Goal, Video Goes Viral
Coritiba defender Jacy Maranhao, 29, endured a bizarre incident, falling into the players' tunnel after a dramatic goal celebration against Chapecoense in the Brazilian Serie A. To compound his misery, the goal was subsequently ruled offside by VAR, after he had already suffered a minor ankle injury from the tumble at Estádio.
In a moment that quickly went viral and encapsulated the unpredictable drama of football, Coritiba defender Jacy Maranhao suffered a humiliating fall into the players’ tunnel at the Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira while wildly celebrating a goal that was ultimately disallowed for offside. The 29-year-old’s enthusiastic leap over advertising boards turned into an unexpected tumble, leaving fans and teammates stunned. Cristiano Ronaldo Fans Mistake Madeira Wedding for CR7’s Ceremony, Mob Bride; Football Star Reacts As Video Goes Viral.
Jacy Maranhao's Celebration Turns to Calamity
The incident occurred shortly before half-time during Coritiba’s Brazilian Serie A clash against Chapecoense. In the 41st minute, Jacy Maranhao, who also serves as Coritiba's captain, rose to head the ball into the net, believing he had put his team 2-0 up. Overcome with emotion, he rushed towards the advertising hoardings and vaulted over them to celebrate with the home crowd. Instead of landing safely, Jacy disappeared into an uncovered opening behind the boards, which was, in fact, the entrance to the away dressing room tunnel, left open in preparation for the interval.
Teammates and security personnel quickly rushed to his aid as the defender climbed back out of the opening. Jacy received immediate treatment for a minor ankle injury and, remarkably, managed to continue playing until the break. However, the effects of the fall became evident, and he was substituted shortly after the second half commenced.
VIDEO: Jacy Maranhao Falls into Tunnel
Another Angle of the Fall
VAR Adds Insult to Injury
To compound Jacy’s misfortune, the goal he had so exuberantly celebrated was almost immediately reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The replay confirmed that Maranhao was in an offside position when he scored, leading to the goal being disallowed. This left the Coritiba captain having suffered a painful fall and an injury for a goal that never even counted.
Speaking after the match, Jacy downplayed the injury, stating he had only twisted his foot and was experiencing some soreness, but was otherwise fine. He attributed his overzealous celebration to the rarity of scoring as a centre-back. “I just got carried away,” he explained.
An Eerie Déjà Vu at Couto Pereira
Adding an extra layer of bizarre history to the event, this was not the first time a Coritiba player had fallen into the same tunnel at the Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira. In 2014, former Coritiba striker Joel (Diederrick Joel Tagueu-Tadjo) suffered a remarkably similar incident while celebrating a goal against São Paulo. Brazilian journalist Leonardo Mendes Jr. highlighted an uncanny connection, noting on social media that the security guard who tried to prevent Jacy’s jump was the very same individual involved in Joel’s incident 12 years prior.
Despite the dramatic individual mishap, Coritiba ultimately secured a 2-1 victory over Chapecoense. Goals from Tiago Coser and Pedro Rocha ensured the home side took all three points, providing a positive outcome amidst the memorable and unfortunate events surrounding Jacy Maranhao’s celebration.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).