A 20-year-old soccer player was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident when he collided with a cow on the road while returning home from a birthday party. Surveillance camera footage captured the horrifying moment Antony Ilano struck an animal with a BR-343 at around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, in Altos, Piauí state, Brazil.
A video showed Piauí’s U-20 striker driving down the highway and colliding with a cow that was walking in front of it. The force of the impact throws him onto the tarmac, while the animal panics, is in pain, and limps on its hind legs in a desperate attempt to escape.
Police confirmed the young player, who was on his way home from celebrating his father’s birthday, died at the scene.
They added that the cause and circumstances of the collision were still under investigation.
Anthony, who played for Altos and Fluminense PI, was part of the teams that won the Piauí state championship in 2024 and 2025. The Altos native was considered one of the most talented players in the area.
Clubs Piauí, Altos and Fluminense PI have issued a statement expressing their grief and solidarity with his family and friends.
Piauí said: “The Piauí Esporte Club is deeply saddened by the loss of its striker Anthony Illano, 20, in an accident that occurred in the city of Altos in the early morning hours.
“Ilano has been wearing the colors of Piauisan Vibrante since 2024, when he participated in the 2025 São Paulo Junior Soccer Cup and U-20 Northeast Cup, and won the Piauiense U-20 Championship.
“As a further challenge for the club, our athletes were preparing to travel with the team to take part in the Under-20 Brazil Cup this Tuesday.
“The club would like to inform you that, in respect of this period of mourning, we will be canceling our activities this Monday.”
Artos said he learned of his death “with deep regret” and characterized him as a talented player who began his professional journey with the team.
Fluminense’s PI expressed his “deep sadness” and expressed his condolences to everyone who knew the footballer.
Anthony is scheduled to travel to Fortaleza with his team on Tuesday (October 21) to take part in the U-20 Brazil Cup, and he also played in the 2025 São Paulo Junior Soccer Cup and the U-20 Northeast Cup.
His funeral took place on October 20th in Serra do Cedro, Altos.
