Araquem de Melo


Araquem José de Melo, commonly known as Araquem de Melo, was a Brazilian footballer who played for clubs in Uruguay, Argentina and Greece.

Career

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Araquem de Melo began playing football for the youth sides of local side Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama. He played for Danubio F.C. and was the Uruguayan league's top goal-scorer during the 1966 season. He played for Argentine side Club Atlético Huracán from 1968 to 1972.
In 1972, he joined Panathinaikos F.C. as the first Brazilian footballer who ever played for the club. He remains the leading goal-scorer among Brazilians for Panathinaikos. Araquem de Melo scored 19 goals in 37 games with Panathinaikos, along with Juan Ramón Verón and Antonis Antoniadis making a great attacking line. In 1974, he played for Atromitos.

Retirement

After he retired from playing football, Araquem de Melo founded a football school in Brazil. His brother, Arnout de Melo, assumed responsibility for the club after Araquem's death in 2001.
In 2001, he committed suicide, due to debt problems.