Radio broadcaster Milton Naves, historic voice of Minas Gerais sport, dies at age 70
Radio presenter Milton Naves died this Saturday (16), aged 70. Narrador and presenter who marked more than four decades on Minas Gerais radio, Milton left a consolidated legacy in Minas Gerais’s sports journalism.
The death was confirmed by the family. Milton leaves behind a couple of children and the ceremony will be restricted to relatives and close friends, with the body cremated. The wake has not yet been announced.
Carreira from over four decades in sports radio
Milton Naves has dedicated himself entirely to sports broadcasting since the beginning of his professional career. Pela Rádio Itatiaia, covered nine Copas of Mundo and consolidated its reputation as one of the main voices in Minas Gerais sports journalism. The catchphrase “Show de Bola”, notable in his programs, will be immortalized in the memory of generations of listeners and colleagues who followed his performance.
Seu last program was shown on June 30, 2022, according to information from Rádio Itatiaia. Durante throughout his career, Milton worked as a narrator, presenter and reporter, participating in the coverage of countless matches that marked the history of Minas Gerais and Brazilian football.
Milton had deep roots in Minas Gerais. Nasceu in Ilicínea, in the state’s Sul, and maintained a special connection with Alfenas, a region that he considered the birthplace of his identity. Sua’s presence in Belo Horizonte was solidified through decades of work dedicated to the radio medium.
Repercussão between clubs and fans
Clubs traditional Minas Gerais released notes of condolence on social media. Atlético Mineiro published a statement mourning the death of the radio host who worked for decades covering Galo matches and participated in countless historic broadcasts.
Atlético’s note reproduces Milton’s characteristic catchphrase:
- “Galo mourns the passing of radio host Milton Naves, former announcer, reporter and presenter, who worked for decades on Minas Gerais sports radio”
- “We offer our solidarity and wish strength to family and friends in this time of mourning”
- “Rest in peace, Show from Bola”
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube also spoke publicly about the loss. The club released a statement highlighting the importance of Milton as a sports columnist and a notable voice in Cabuloso’s coverage over the decades.
Despedidas on social media
Seguidores of Milton Naves expressed sadness on social media shortly after the death was confirmed. Amigos, professional colleagues and listeners who followed his career expressed regret at the loss of one of the great names in Minas Gerais radio.
Milton’s profile on social media remains a record of his professional presence, where he presented himself as narrator and presenter of Rádio Itatiaia. Mensagens’s condolences continue to pour in from different sectors of sports journalism and the public who grew up listening to his broadcasts.
The death of Milton Naves marks the closing of an important chapter in the history of Brazilian sports radio. Sua’s voice, his narrations and his iconic catchphrase transcended the universe of radio waves, becoming part of the collective memory of generations of football-loving people from Minas Gerais.
