Alan Ruschel: The Sole Survivor Still Playing Football After the 2016 Chapecoense Tragedy
Surviving tragedy, honoring fallen teammates, and defying the odds—Alan Ruschel’s journey from the wreckage of 2016 to the football pitch in 2025 is a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of the game
In football, where glory and heartbreak often go hand in hand, few stories are as tragic and inspiring as that of Alan Ruschel the only player from Chapecoense’s 2016 squad who not only survived a devastating plane crash but continues to play professional football to this day.
On November 28, 2016, Chapecoense was on the brink of writing the greatest chapter in the club’s history.
The Brazilian side had stunned South America by reaching the final of the Copa Sudamericana, where they were set to face Atlético Nacional in Colombia. The final was meant to be a celebration of the club’s fairy-tale rise.
But that dream turned into a nightmare just minutes before landing at José María Córdova International Airport near Medellín,Colombia.
The plane, a chartered flight operated by LaMia Airlines, ran out of fuel, a catastrophic and entirely avoidable error.
Investigations revealed that the pilot failed to refuel the aircraft, and despite requesting an emergency landing, he was asked to wait because another plane that declared emergency was already approaching the runway.
By the time the engines failed, it was too late. The plane crashed in the hills outside Medellín, killing 71 of the 77 people on board. Among the victims were players, coaches, journalists, and crew members. Only six people survived, including three Chapecoense players.
Of those three, Jakson Follmann had a leg amputated and later transitioned to a career in music and motivational speaking. Neto, who suffered severe injuries, attempted a comeback but retired from football in 2019. Only Alan Ruschel managed to return fully to professional football a feat few thought possible.
Ruschel’s injuries were serious. He suffered a spinal injury and underwent multiple surgeries. But with unshakable determination, he made a full recovery.
Less than a year later, in August 2017, Ruschel made an emotional return to football in a friendly match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Wearing the captain’s armband, he symbolized the spirit of resilience that Chapecoense had come to represent.
Since then, Ruschel has continued his career with admirable strength. He has played for several Brazilian clubs, including Chapecoense, América Mineiro, and currently Esporte Clube Juventude.
On May 18, 2025, he played a full 90 minutes in Juventude’s 1–1 draw against Fluminense in the Brazilian Série A, showing that his passion and perseverance remain undiminished.
The crash also deeply affected those who weren’t on the flight. Longtime goalkeeper Nivaldo, who stayed behind in Brazil and was scheduled to retire after the final, chose to hang up his gloves immediately after the tragedy. The emotional toll was simply too much.
In a powerful gesture of sportsmanship, Atlético Nacional asked CONMEBOL to award the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense, along with the prize money. Their request was granted, and the title was awarded to honor the team that never got to play the final.
Alan Ruschel is more than a survivor, he is a symbol of strength, healing, and unbreakable spirit.
Every time he steps on the field, he carries the memory of his fallen teammates with him. His story is a reminder of the fragility of life, the power of human will, and the enduring love that binds teammates, families, and fans together in the beautiful game.
