Zion Brocchi, Surfing Promise, Dies at 12
Zion Brocchi, a Portuguese surfing promise and regional U12 champion in 2024, passed away at 12 years old after battling brain cancer.
Correio Braziliense
September 12, 2025
Young Portuguese surfing promise dies at 12
Zion Brocchi, considered a Portuguese surfing promise, died at 12 years old after battling brain cancer. Born on the Costa da Caparica, he started surfing at 3 and competing at 8, becoming the regional U12 male champion in the Grande Lisboa Circuit in 2024.
Zion's mother highlights her son's strength and legacy
Zion's mother, Vânia Brocchi, emphasized that her son "exceeded all expectations and wherever he went, he shone, won, and enchanted with his shy way of being, but with a strong and determined gaze." She added that she "holds all the good memories, the endless adventures, he will be eternal," considering him the great love of her life.
Surfing community mourns the loss
The National Surfers Association expressed "enormous sadness" at the passing of little Zion, recognizing his remarkable "drive" and the impact he left on everyone, promising to honor him always.
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