Nathalia Urban is still here.

My first encounter with Nathalia Urban was during the Argentina vs. Mexico match at the Qatar World Cup in 2022, when TV 247 broadcast some of the tournament's games on a second screen with commentary by yours truly. I was already familiar with her journalistic competence, her profound geopolitical knowledge, and her firm social stance from other programs on the channel, but I confess that, at first glance, I thought she was a left-wing "rich girl" who wouldn't laugh at my jokes and my infamous puns – some rather lame, I admit – during the game broadcast. Nothing that a simple phrase from her couldn't dispel my mistaken first impression. In fact, we men must admit that we still feel a little intimidated by women with the ability and personality that Nathalia possessed.

We did other broadcasts during the World Cup, which, exceptionally, took place in December, and then we only spoke again in March 2024, when "30 Minutes" premiered on TV 247, and I had the honor of having Nathalia Urban as a commentator on the program on Mondays. Right from the premiere, football was once again on the agenda, with the rape accusation against player Daniel Alves, one of the full-backs who had been called up by Tite for the World Cup. That's where a partnership began that I never imagined could work so well, both on screen and behind the scenes. Taking advantage of the presidential hype that Trump and Lula gave to the term, I would say that there was a professional and personal chemistry between me and Nathalia. An energetic affinity, I would say.

From then on, I got to know Nathalia better as a journalist and as a human being. The same indignation at social injustices that she expressed in front of the cameras, she also manifested in conversations behind the scenes of the program and via WhatsApp. Her worldview was very broad, something that only someone twice her age could have. Each exchange we had was a learning experience for me about international politics, especially regarding the USA, which increased my admiration for her journalistic work. I remember when she somewhat shattered my fascination with Kamala Harris, then Donald Trump's opponent in the US elections, by presenting me with her history of repression against the Black and immigrant population of the USA when she was a prosecutor, and about a state law she defended when she was Attorney General of California, according to which the parents of children chronically absent from school could be imprisoned.

Speaking of the US, I imagined the comments Nathalia would make about Lula's historic speech at the UN and about Donald Trump's gesture towards him. We gained a memorable speech from our president, but we missed the brilliant analysis of our dearly missed journalist. Venezuela was also a concern for Nathalia, who was not happy with the fact that Lula did not recognize Maduro's victory in that country's elections. According to her, the absence of a declaration of support from the Brazilian president for a historical political ally could amplify the imperialist audacity of the US over the neighboring country and interfere in the sovereignty not only of Venezuela, but also of other South American countries. Although the US president at the time was Joe Biden, we are now witnessing Brazil having to defend its sovereignty against attacks perpetrated by Trump, who imposed trade sanctions on the country with the aim of politically interfering in the decisions of the Brazilian judiciary.

Of the long and fruitful conversations we had about politics, her indignation at the genocide perpetrated by Israel in the Gaza Strip was, by far, what afflicted her most. And only the soulless are not afflicted. A defender of the Palestinian cause, Nathalia lent her voice and her humanity to the defense of a people who have been decimated under the TV cameras and the inaction of various world leaders. Fearless, she did not let herself be intimidated by the attacks and death threats she received from Zionists unhappy with her stance. Once, she confided in me a certain fear of a possible realization of these threats and said that she was taking some precautions on social media. The woman who left the city of Santos as a young girl in pursuit of her dream gained wings and the hearts of those who appreciate journalism in the true sense of the word. She knew she could fly, she was aware of her talent and competence, but she never ceased to be generous and humble in professional interactions.

Days before her departure, in a fateful episode that still leaves some doubts regarding the clarification of the facts, she was happy, on her honeymoon with her partner, and sent me photos of the places they visited. In the last messages she sent me, on September 9, 2024, she was in the Medina of Tunis, Tunisia, and told me about the hospitality of the local people who, upon learning that she was Brazilian, approached her curiously to learn about football and ask about the players of our national team. According to her, former goalkeeper Dida and former striker Adriano Imperador were the most talked about in the region. "Today a guy started shouting Dida and Adriano after I said I was Brazilian," she wrote, adding that I would make many friends there because of football. She told me about the elections that would take place in the country in 20 days and that the only candidate was "catching everyone up haha." This was the last message I received from her.

On September 23rd, she was scheduled to return from vacation, and I contacted her to let her know that we were interviewing candidates that week and that "our duo" would return the following week. She didn't reply. I found the silence strange, since she had always been very professional and committed to her work. The next day, I received a message from a mutual friend – the historian Gabo Santos – telling me to prepare myself for what he was about to say: Nathalia was no longer with us. That news couldn't be believed. How could that be? Just a few days ago she was happily on vacation... And I had the impression that I had received a reply from the character Chicó, from... The compassionate car, with her confused and enigmatic: “I don’t know. I only know that’s how it was.” Incredulous, I messaged her on WhatsApp asking if everything was alright, and there was silence.

I am grateful for your existence and for the honor of having been considered a friend by you. We never met in person, but our souls were attuned and connected by the energy of the struggle for a better and more just world. May you continue in the light and in peace!